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 · 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.
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 · Runnea UK – Imanol Urrestizala · 2 days ago
An ultra trail runner found it perfect up to 10–12 km, secure and responsive, and fine on road-to-trail mixes, but a ~20 km mountain route left his feet tired. A versatile, comfortable, affordable gateway trail shoe, soft yet stable; traction and durability could improve, and it's not for technical terrain.
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 · Running Shoes Guru – Henry Howard · 2 days ago
Wise improvements over the debut model: even lighter and built for speed, a reputable option for shorter trail days on flat, fast surfaces, and it held up reasonably well after 50 miles. It's niche, not for muddy, snowy or technical terrain or distances over a half marathon, and the narrow forefoot won't suit everyone.
Blog · iRunFar – Alli Miles · 2 days ago
After 100+ miles it still has a place for a specific runner: light, fast and fun, and a cheaper unplated alternative to $250 racers. The glove-like fit suits long, standard-width feet with a narrow heel and may be too snug for wide feet. Not an ideal daily trainer; plated shoes do better at 50K+.
Blog · Doctors of Running – David Salas · 2 days ago
A traditional racing flat for the trails: fun, fast, nimble and aggressive, with good forefoot and midfoot lockdown, good traction and a grounded base. A very good option for sub-ultra trail racing. The heel isn't secure enough on sharp turns and switchbacks, and it struggles in mulchy or soft mud.
Blog · Believe in the Run · 2 days ago
One tester enjoyed it as a rotation shoe for short, speedy trail runs, almost the anti-HOKA: light, interesting and fun on non-technical trails. But $160 is a bit much for such a specific shoe, and the foot shape may exclude many runners. He suggests the cheaper Altra Superior or Nike Terra Kiger.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Kristin Lassen · 2 days ago
Still a stable, comfortable shoe best for slower runs and walking, but more fun to run in than before: a smooth roll and lighter weight encourage you along, on a wide, plush base with a comfortable, secure fit and a more accommodating toe box. Outsole durability is only moderate, and the price is high.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Bach Pham · 2 days ago
A comfortable max-cushion stability cruiser with a generous upper and an effective H-Frame that suits many walkers and runners. It lacks versatility, the heel could be more secure, and some may want more stability. He grew to enjoy it in winter when the midsole firmed, but it's pricey; buy on a deal.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Sam Sheldon, Aldren & Mercer Alden · 2 days ago
One tester liked it a humungous amount: in the top half of stability shoes, with a light, smooth ride and a stable H-Frame, though he'd pick the higher-drop Kayano. Another tester finds it still clunky and boat-like, but a fan of this much less boxy update.
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 · 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 · Running Shoes Guru – Brandon Law · 2 days ago
A decent racer, but he hoped to improve on the Elite 4 PB, which feels faster to him. It's too firm and lacks bounce, so he wouldn't race a marathon in it. Positives: a stiff, snappy plate, outstanding outsole durability, more stability than most racers. The heel counter is loose, and it's not worth $275.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein · 2 days ago
Brooks finally has a legit super racer: bouncy foam, a responsive heel and good durability after 30 hard miles, best for longer efforts. But heel slippage, excessive toe spring and poor midfoot stability limit him to moderate distances. It lacks speed versatility, the upper needs work, and it's not a $275 shoe.
Blog · Believe in the Run · 2 days ago
Graded D for value at $275. One tester found it efficient (splits faster than it felt) but too squishy, with a loose heel on corners. It rides like an old racing flat without super-shoe spark. A third tester was surprised: light, fast and durable with excellent grip; he'd use it up to a half, not a marathon.
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 – Kristin Lassen · 2 days ago
Brooks has come full circle back to plush, which she thinks is good: very stable with a secure, comfortable upper hold, good grip and durability, the outsole almost untouched after 60 miles. Brooks' stability lineup is now clearer, with this model for plush comfort. The downsides are weight and a blocky ride.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein · 2 days ago
A rare high-stability premium trainer with a strong medial post, now his go-to daily shoe while rehabbing an irritated posterior tibialis. Responsive DNA Tuned offsets the weight; durability is great at 50 miles. The toe box and heel took 15–20 miles to break in, and it's for easy and long runs only.
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 · 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 · Find My Footwear – Paul Freary · 2 days ago
The first few miles are enough to know you're in the most stable shoe on the market: assuredly stable with no hint of roll. The DNA Loft v3 is softer than before, and it's comfortable for running and long days on your feet, with durable construction and width options for heavier, broader-footed runners. Some will find it a little too much shoe.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Bach Pham · 2 days ago
One of his favourite stability trainers this year, a surprise after struggling with the series: a fluid ride, well-rounded, less intrusive stability from GuideRails and a medial post, huge durability and width options. It's weighty and a bit snug, the heel needs a cleaner fit and bevel, and it's firm.
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 · 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 · iRunFar – Nick DiMarco · 2 days ago
After about 180 miles of mud, wet rock, roots, snow and road it gets about 90% of the job done everywhere. It's fast, durable and confidence-inspiring, with a controlled, reliable ride despite its aggressive look. At 304 g it only felt heavy next to lighter race shoes. Good long-term value for training and racing.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Sam Edgin & Taylor Bodin · 2 days ago
One tester expected a quick, aggressive rattlesnake, but once he dropped that idea he grew really fond of it: capable, protective and stable, with lots of life underfoot and a premium fit. More yak than mountain goat, a solid high-performance max-stack option. A bit bottom-heavy, and $185.
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 · Tom's Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · 2 days ago
The fastest, lightest, most exciting racer on the market: his heart rate ran lower at speed and he recovered faster between reps. But it's wobbly and soft, may lack support late in a marathon, and might only be at its best for about 100 miles. At $500 he says most people who'd have to buy it probably shouldn't.
Blog · The Running Channel – Aubrey (via Mark Dredge) · 2 days ago
One tester, a sub-4 marathoner who bought his own pair, ran a two-minute half PB in it: serious pop, best-in-class foam and surprising comfort. Downsides: £450/$500, built for one marathon plus some training, a barely-there upper that needs careful lacing, short laces, and a squishy ride for strong runners only.
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 · 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 · Road Trail Run – Marcel Krebs & Nils Scharff · 2 days ago
Saucony surprised everyone: a max-cushioned trail shoe with great energy return that many will love, and its outsole sheds mud very well. But it's heavy, and a slimmer upper and less massive outsole would turn a very good shoe into an even better one. They hope a lighter ride sibling follows.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein · 2 days ago
An extremely durable, tough trail run/hike shoe for long runs, challenging terrain and climbs, best for those who land farther forward because of the forefoot Speed Roll and little bevel. The upper is tough and secure. It fits short at first, and the major stiffness makes slow-speed transitions unstable.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Taylor Bodin, Alex & Kyle · 2 days ago
One tester finds it underwhelming for the Endorphin name, more Shift than Speed: blocky and heavy, with Speedroll fighting lateral moves (once nearly rolling an ankle) and a narrow-ish toe box. But PWRRUN PB is protective and bouncy, the upper locks in superbly, and traction surprised.
Blog · Tom's Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · 2 days ago
For some runners the super-soft, springy ride will be irresistible: very fun and undoubtedly quick, matched only by the even less stable Metaspeed Ray. For him it's a little too soft, and heavier than rivals: the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo and Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 are a couple of ounces lighter and remain his picks.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Andrea Myers & Matt Klein · 2 days ago
Incredibly soft and responsive, with a secure, comfortable upper, a great wide squared-off toe box, and more stability and speed versatility than v2. It's soft and unstable when slow, and one tester preferred it at 5K–10K pace. It's heavy for a modern super racer and unstable cornering at speed.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Meaghan Murray & Thomas Neuberger · 2 days ago
A solid update with extra foam adding welcome stability. It's light, comfortable and bouncy, and one tester will keep it for workouts and long runs, but it's a bit too squishy and lacks the aggressive snap she wants on the start line. One of the comfiest racers, not the lightest or fastest.
Blog · Road Trail Run · 2 days ago
One tester may have found her new race-day shoe: the incredibly bouncy, fun ride of the EE2 in a much better-fitting upper with a slotted carbon plate and tweaked geometry. Testers flag that it's heavy for a top super shoe and priced at the top end, and another tester feels the added drive costs some of the bouncy fun.
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 · Alastair Running – Alastair Dixon · 2 days ago
A smart extension of the road v3: the same stable, predictable, grounded and protective ride, plus grip for gravel, light trails and wet roads. Best at steady paces, not energetic. It's ~12 g heavier and less breathable, so it traps heat in humid weather, and the sockliner allows some shifting underfoot.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Taylor Bodin, Renee Krusemark & Matt Kucharski · 2 days ago
One tester: a solid daily trainer that crosses to light trail and handles pace, and a shoulder-season workhorse in Gore-Tex. Another tester, on rural gravel, finds it light, affordable and fine for 20+ mi long runs to speedwork, but its outsole is barely beyond a road shoe's, so she'd want trail rubber for mud, snow and.
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 · Jolie Foulée – Nicolas Brun · 2 days ago
'A hell of a shoe': more comfortable and less narrow than an Adios Pro 4, with immediate dynamism that lowered his heart rate at a given pace, and the LightSpray upper hadn't moved an inch after 100+ km. At 158 g it's built for marathons and long races on the road. Like most super shoes, it dislikes turns.
Blog · The Running Club – Andrea Soffientini & Roberto · 2 days ago
Very light (158–168 g) and comfortable once on, built for steady marathon pacing, not explosive pushes, with less reactivity than the first Strike or Echo 3. After testing, the right shoe showed partial sole separation and a midsole cut. At €310 it's hard to justify over the laced version.
Blog · Runner's World – Urs Weber · 2 days ago
A very good shoe that fixes every criticism from their v1 test: more toe room yet very good midfoot hold, a sock-like collar that keeps out stones and more cushion under the ball. A versatile road/trail hybrid with moderate cushioning and good wet grip. Testers advise socks with a cuff to avoid collar rub.
Blog · Trail & Kale – Alastair Dixon · 2 days ago
Hits it out of the park for long-distance trail runners: lighter, with a reshuffled MissionGrip that grips much better on steep downhills, a lower 6 mm drop, more flexibility, a comfier heel and ankle, a softer Helion midsole and better breathability. On calls it max cushion, but it's closer to medium.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Renee Krusemark & Jeff Valliere · 2 days ago
One tester enjoyed it: not hugely different from v1, but much more runnable with a softer midsole, and fun on shorter efforts despite its firmness, with an ounce shaved off.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Kristin Lassen · 2 days ago
Versatile in fit and function: cloud-pod cushioning and a responsive Speedboard make a good one-shoe choice, with a smooth transition through foot plant and moderate stability. But the heel is too loose for some (welcome room for others), the high collar threatens ankle irritation, and it's pricey.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein · 2 days ago
It won't stay in his running rotation: an extremely firm, rockered ride heavy and firm for its stack. But its comfortable plush upper, mild stability from a wider platform and firmer medial pods, and rocker earn it a spot for walking and long days standing. Great sockless, but the heel slips with socks.
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 · 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 · 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 · 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 · Running Shoes Guru – Kristin Lassen · 2 days ago
The best to date in the line in fit and function: she thoroughly enjoys its smooth, supported ride, secure fit and joyful toe-off, and is passing it to her 16-year-old for 800–3000 m track training. Highly recommended for medium to long runs and longer intervals. The outsole's grip and durability are weak points.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein & Bach · 2 days ago
Drastically changed into a guidance-based mild-stability shoe with a soft ride and a snug, very comfortable upper, great for narrow feet. One tester enjoyed it as a daily road runner, but its EVA film pushes you laterally and feels odd. It's not as stable as it could be and felt less stable than some neutral trainers.
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 · 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 · 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 · Find My Footwear – Kieran Alger · 2 days ago
A total transformation from v7 and a winner for him: not bouncy or packed with cutting-edge foam, just an excellent, reliable workhorse with mild stability and a light, comfortable ride that never feels unnatural or overbuilt. He tested it on easy runs, progression runs, uneven river paths and 40+ miles of a 100-mile ultra.
Blog · OutdoorGearLab – Nathaniel Bailey · 2 days ago
The H-Frame works: it feels planted and stable and controls forefoot motion. It runs narrow with a tapered, rubbing toe box and cramped midfoot. The EVA midsole feels outdated and gives mediocre protection, and it slipped on cold, wet pavement at speed. Fine for snug-fit lovers; most runners have better stability options.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein · 2 days ago
A mild-to-moderate stability shoe best for walking, standing and easy running. It's light for a stability shoe with a wide platform and a softer ride than before, but the medial heel bevel is clunky, medial stability is less pronounced, it's slower, outsole durability is poor and the slipping tongue irritated his foot.
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 – Cat Bowen · 2 days ago
Plush enough for long mileage yet responsive enough that it never feels like pillows or sand. It reins in her gait when tired without the harsh, pushy feel of earlier versions or a lateral bite, cushioned without being sluggish, with a breathable upper. Brooks kept what works and modernised the rest. It's not a speedwork shoe.
Blog · OutdoorGearLab – Matthew Richardson · 2 days ago
If you need proven stability, yes: GuideRails work, the build is solid, and it comes in more widths than almost anything they test. The cushioning works at easy paces and walking. Pushed, it felt heavy and stiff, the midfoot support makes the ride a bit choppy, and it's not for hot weather or fans of soft modern foam.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein · 2 days ago
A classic moderate-stability daily trainer with a secure fit, plush heel and fantastic post-like medial support at the heel and midfoot. Its heel transition is the best of any in the line the line he's tried. It isn't responsive, the forefoot firms up over longer miles, and durability is average.
Blog · Akirun – Akira · 2 days ago
Pace decides it: at 4:30/km it shone, stable and rolling over 35 km, ideal for sub-3.5 to sub-4. Jogging at 6:00/km it feels board-like and slaps, and at 4:00/km and interval pace it gives clearly less help than a Metaspeed, so it's not a sub-3 racer. The outsole tread is still good at 300 km.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Sam Winebaum · 2 days ago
Delivers exactly what S4 stands for: speed, stability, safety and sub-4. Stability is the highlight, almost to a fault: you won't wobble, sit back on your heels or struggle to transition whatever your race pace, at a reasonable 8.1 oz and $200. The dense lower Flytefoam gives a dull, firm heel with little bounce.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Brandon Law · 2 days ago
If you've run in a Metaspeed or any super shoe, you won't be happy: it's firmer and less engaging. ASICS made it too firm for stability and kept old Flytefoam underneath. It's slightly lighter than the S4 with excellent traction, but it doesn't feel like a super shoe, and the US price is ~$50 above Japan's.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Taylor Bodin, Reese Ruland & Sam Edgin · 2 days ago
Like driving a sports car: some grip and a whole lot of rip. On smoother terrain, gravel roads or pavement-to-light-trail it will bring a smile to your face, and best in class when fast on smooth ground. Push it too far and that smile flips fast; it lacks the terrain range of rivals like the Summit Vectiv Pro 2.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein · 2 days ago
A super-stack, carbon-plated racer for those wanting a firmer, stiffer, aggressive and fast ride, with a secure fit and road-to-trail versatility. The heel and midfoot are unstable for its height, it's a bit too firm and stiff, the toe guard is abrasive and the lace lining poky, so socks are a must.
Blog · Tom's Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · 2 days ago
A dream on hard-packed or gravel paths and road-to-trail runs, where its propulsive bounce and plate shine, and it grips well wet and dry. On testing terrain those features become concerns: it feels unstable and lacks traction on mud or boggy grass, so it's worth the price only to a few.
Blog · Meta Endurance – Theo & Esther · 2 days ago
Stiff and highly responsive, best for shorter, fast trail runs under six hours and speed sessions, not ultras, and your muscles need time to adapt. One tester loved it on climbs, but mud sticks to the outsole until it gets slick.
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 · Believe in the Run – Lindsay Agro · 2 days ago
A staple rotation shoe for runners who need more stability, good for any run except speed. Grippy AsicsGrip rubber handles slick roads and off-road. Nitpicks: the knit pull tab and padding irritated her ankles in no-show socks, the upper favours comfort over breathability, and PureGEL makes the heel heavier.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein · 2 days ago
Subtle tweaks add up to a significant change: the first in the line with an 8 mm drop has a smoother heel transition, a secure upper and adaptive stability, a premium choice for standing, walking and running. The ride is firmer than expected, and it's still on the heavy side.
Blog · Tom's Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · 2 days ago
One of the best stability shoes, slightly more comfortable than its predecessor with more foam, no extra weight and a more breathable upper. Newer runners can use it for everything, while others should pair it with a speedier shoe. Since it performs much like v31, he'd seek a deal on the older model first.
Blog · Kumazou's Running Bar – Kumazou · 2 days ago
Stability is as solid as ever with the 4D Guidance System, cushioning is slightly up, and the thinner tongue fits superbly for long runs. It's sluggish for tempo or intervals, and fit is slightly snug. At 800+ km the rubber still remains, the upper has no tears, and the midsole hasn't broken down. Still his jogging shoe.
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 · Coach – Nick Harris-Fry · 2 days ago
A great racing and fast-training option for Altra loyalists, light at 223 g and grippy even on wet roads. But the EVA foam showed considerable wear after just 55 km. Given the high price, durability concerns and a midsole that's less fast and propulsive than the best, non-devotees will find better carbon shoes.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Renee Krusemark, Jeff Beck & Cheng Chen · 2 days ago
A smooth, healthy ride that's stable across a very wide pace range, similar at 9:00 and 6:00 pace, unlike the Endorphin Pro or Vaporfly. It balances comfort and response.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Thomas Neuberger · 2 days ago
He likes it: a lively ride, cushioning that can chew up miles, and a plate noticeable enough to help click off miles. Once on, it's the best-fitting Altra he's tested, though classic fans may miss toe room. The thick, waxy laces are hard to adjust, an odd choice on a $240 shoe, and the tongue makes it fiddly to put on.
Blog · Believe in the Run – John Calabrese, Renee Krusemark & Michael Loutzenheiser · 2 days ago
Solid value at $165: it felt great on all sections of a PR run and even road paces in the high 7s, though his foot shifted on hard rocky ground. Another tester's lateral ankles were irritated on descents by the heel counter, and a third tester, a veteran of nearly 100 reviews, finds the upper and laces.
Blog · Treeline Review – Sam Schild · 2 days ago
A balanced trail shoe that disappears underfoot in the best way, neither too cushy nor too supportive, with Vibram Megagrip gripping rock and dirt wet or dry. Durability is average, and they expect 400+ mi. The toe box is wider than v5's, but very wide feet may still find the midfoot too narrow.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Michael Loutzenheiser, Sam Edgin & Melissa Guillen · 2 days ago
Once he ignored the heel and dialled in the fit, one tester really enjoyed it: the foam and Carbitex plate felt quick and zippy, and the outsole was secure on technical descents. The heel still isn't right for the others, sitting low and roomy and letting in rocks until heel-lock lacing fixed it.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein · 2 days ago
A fun shoe to log miles in. It excels on longer efforts where consistency matters, and the midsole/plate gets bouncier and snappier at speed with good grip and an anatomic toe box. This first version needs work: a slightly long fit, a loose heel, it's expensive, and it isn't max-stack.
Blog · Live For The Outdoors – Lily Canter · 2 days ago
Promising on paper, but mixed in practice: it's light, grippy, has a wide toe box and suits zero-drop lovers. Yet it lacks rebound for a carbon-plated shoe, the cushioning is limited, the upper feels restrictive, and the heel buckles.
Blog · iRunFar – Molly Schmelzle · 2 days ago
The underfoot feel, performance and tech are a cause for celebration: Ego Max rim, Ego Pro core and a Carbitex plate excel on dirt and inspire fast running. Vibram Megagrip is reliable. It rides best at or near race pace, so she'll keep it for 50K-and-under races. The heel still needs grippier lining to stop slippage.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Mike Postaski, Jeff Valliere & Jana Herzgova · 2 days ago
A clear win for one tester: a go-to for easy, cruisy days and multi-day events, with a foot-shaped toe box, smooth balanced cushioning, no lower-leg stress and fast fun when pushed.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Taylor Bodin · 2 days ago
Altra's first trail shoe with drop is just easy, relaxed for runs where terrain and effort line up. He enjoys it more than the Outroad or Lone Peak, with a roomy, soft knit upper that keeps its shape. His worry is build quality: after only ~20 mi, the out-of-box softness was already fading faster than most.
Blog · Pace Buddies – Joost Dekker · 2 days ago
His ideal bridge to minimalist running after injury: a very wide toe box, a light 224 g weight, a hugging heel and a responsive near-ground feel. After 600 km the heel is worn and it needs replacing, but the knit held up. It's brilliant in heat but cold below 5°C, and no shoe for heel strikers.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Andrea Myers · 2 days ago
Altra's lowest-stack shoe, best at moderate-to-uptempo paces and fartleks, and its stiff platform may help those with hallux limitus. For one tester the stiff platform felt like fighting the shoe at faster paces, and the big weight gain over v1 held it back. Durability is typical, and it isn't for technical terrain.
Blog · Fordy Runs – Fordy · 2 days ago
Credit to adidas for moving the daily line from Boost to DreamStrike+: a grounded, reliable feel that will suit fans of old-school trainers like the Brooks Launch. But the heel strike is loud and the updates modest, so v2 doesn't outshine v1, which is a smarter buy at around £70.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – TJ Jones · 2 days ago
A strong contender in the crowded stability market at $140, holding its own against the Arahi, Adrenaline and GT-2000 for performance and value, with comfortable DreamStrike+ cushioning, a smooth ride and a sleek design. The lacing system is finicky, and it may be too plush for some runners.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein · 2 days ago
A lighter mild-stability training/performance shoe with a PEBA-based DreamStrike+ midsole, a surprisingly smooth ride, a comfortable upper and good durability, a solid option for road runners wanting mild support. The stability is very mild, the ungusseted tongue is thicker than needed, and it's not for dirt or mud.
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 · 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 · RunToTheFinish – Aimee Morey · 2 days ago
About as close to perfect as a trail shoe gets: the traction they've long loved, a consistent slimmer true-to-size fit, and just a smidge more cushion make it an all-day shoe for almost any terrain, restoring confidence after a lacklustre v15. It can run narrow for some, and it isn't the lightest fast option.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Sam Edgin & Allison Mercer · 2 days ago
An update with trade-offs: still the technical grinder that rips up any trail, and with Vibram it's functionally better than ever, with huge grip and a wide toe box. But for one tester the magic of v15's foam, plate and upper blend is gone, so it feels lesser. Sizing was an issue.
Blog · iRunFar – Travis Liles · 2 days ago
He's always had a soft spot for this shoe, and this one strikes a nice balance between the old low, flat ground feel and a bit more cushion and time-on-feet comfort, with a modern Vibram Megagrip outsole. Every run so far has gone well: low, cushioned, grippy, with a nice upper. No complaints.
Blog · OutdoorGearLab – Matthew Richardson · 2 days ago
Hard to beat if you want one trail shoe for everything from technical routes to moderate singletrack. The Vibram outsole fixes the line's longest-standing weakness, and the added cushioning extends its range without losing its technical feel. Less suited to dedicated mud running or ultras that need more stack.
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 · Believe in the Run – Chad Zimmermann & Lindsay Agro · 2 days ago
Absolutely a top-tier shoe, not just 'good for a stability shoe': Saucony is staking a claim for brand of the year. It gained stack (41/35 mm) yet dropped weight to 9.2 oz, with a breathable mesh upper and a 6 mm drop.
Blog · RunToTheFinish – Gillian Myers · 2 days ago
One of the most comfortable stability shoes yet: gentle stability, soft responsive cushioning, a stretchy, roomy toe box and excellent XT-900 traction. It's loud (she sounds like a fat-tire bike) and squeaky, the thick upper still gets warm, the laces are short, and it's a LOT of shoe.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein · 2 days ago
A really fun, very different stability shoe: max-stack superfoam with a responsive IncrediLux layer and very good, well-integrated stability that balances an unusually soft ride. It's one of the lightest stability shoes and durable. The toe guard tapers the toe box slightly, making it a touch short.
Blog · Runner's World – Amanda Furrer · 2 days ago
Light and speedy, with supportive firm-but-soft-feeling cushioning and a Speedroll rocker that encourages smooth turnover, she explains, rather than sponges or pillows. Her one con: rubbing irritation at the back of the heel.
Blog · RunToTheFinish – Stacey Gross · 2 days ago
Still the everyday runner's carbon-plated shoe: super durable on the road, the treadmill and even crushed gravel. It loses points for the new sock-like upper, which isn't very flexible. The heel collar can irritate with low socks, and it runs a little narrow with no wide option yet.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein · 2 days ago
A completely different shoe: a faster distance super racer that's still durable enough for lots of workouts and races, with a stable rear/midfoot, a smooth rockered forefoot, a wider fit and great traction. The forefoot is less stable medially, and the harsh upper with a thin tongue caused lace bite early on.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Jeremy Marie · 2 days ago
At its best on runnable terrain: foam, nylon plate and rocker give a fluid, economical, very easy stride with less excessive rebound than a Tecton X 3 and more security. The medium lugs handle road sections. Specific conditions (slick, muddy) are its limit. Lugs show only slight wear at ~100 km.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Taylor Bodin, Reese Ruland & Michael Loutzenheiser · 2 days ago
One tester found it glorious on the trails: every part is premium quality, and the whole works even better. Upper materials, serrated race laces and a higher heel collar give a secure fit without strangling the foot. The new Missiongrip and shallow lugs gripped well in most conditions and transition smoothly between surfaces.
Blog · Better Trail – Alex King · 2 days ago
The upper and midsole are strong: after ~400 mi there's only cosmetic pilling, and the foam still feels good. The outsole is the big problem. Lugs wore down across the whole sole until it's close to bald, and wet, muddy or snowy traction is only average and worsens with wear. Too pricey for a daily driver.
Blog · iRunFar – Craig Randall · 2 days ago
On's most mature, well-rounded trail shoe yet, a sign it's finally getting serious about ultra and mountain running. He pushed descents where he'd normally back off. The lugs aren't aggressive, so it's not a mud shoe, and slick rock, wet roots or thick clay call for caution because the rubber lacks wet stickiness.
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 · The Running Club – Filippo Zavattari · 2 days ago
Stability without invasive rigid posts: raised sidewalls cradle the foot for a natural transition, ideal for moderate overpronators and neutral runners wanting a bit more support. Grip was excellent on asphalt, gravel, porphyry and wet ground, wear after 150 km is average, and the fit is just right.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Jeremy Yoder · 2 days ago
Not one of his favourites: as someone who doesn't need stability it felt restrictive, rigid and one-dimensional, with a firm midsole and sluggish ride. It does shine at arch and heel support, guiding every step to be just like the last, and the upper is comfortable.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein · 2 days ago
A moderate-stability daily trainer with good medial heel and midfoot support, a secure fit and durable thick heel rubber (no dents after 30 mi). The small heel bevel and posterior flare make the rearfoot clunky, it's heavy, and the heel collar is overly padded.
Blog · Runner's World UK – Ali Ball · 2 days ago
Comfortable yet agile with impressive energy return: the carbon plate kicks in when you get on your toes. The Megagrip lugs are too small for mud and very technical ground, and the Energy Arc gap traps stones. The fit is very snug, so she sized up; wide feet and ultra runners should look elsewhere.
Blog · Trail Runner – Brian Metzler · 2 days ago
An agile, high-performance trail racer that delivers: soft, resilient FuelCell with a firm-but-not-rigid plate, nimble and stable thanks to the lower forefoot, and Vibram grip on dirt, gravel and wet or dry rock. Mud, scree and alpine technical terrain aren't its thing, and toe protection is modest.
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.
Blog · WearTesters – Arune & Drew Whitcomb · 2 days ago
An excellent, smooth and fun daily trainer, ideal for beginners or comeback runners, with a firm-ish yet protective midsole. The X10 outsole looked great after 100 mi, and grip was reliable in all conditions. It's wide-foot friendly with a 2E option. The upper could breathe better,; feet swelled on hot runs.
Blog · Runner's World – Cat Bowen · 2 days ago
A capable, exciting race or everyday shoe: the glass-fibre Wave Plate gives genuine spring-forward propulsion without running you, lockdown is legitimately impressive, and it's stable side-to-side for a super shoe. Her main note is fit: it's snug through the midfoot and toe box, so wider feet will feel it.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Chad Zimmermann, Meaghan Murray & Karl Fernandez · 2 days ago
It rides slightly softer and bouncier than v2 while keeping its smooth roll-through and fun factor, and the fit is better for those the v2 felt too long on. One tester enjoyed every run but sees too little improvement to justify it over a discounted v2, and wide feet should look elsewhere.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein · 2 days ago
A major midsole improvement: no longer mushy, with dual Enerzy NXT and a glass-fibre plate making it bouncy, protective and solid for uptempo long runs, threshold and tempo. Rocks jam in the big outsole groove on gravel. The heel padding pressed on his Achilles so badly he couldn't take another step after 35 mi.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Jeff Beck & Jeff Valliere · 2 days ago
This big, burly shoe now infringes on Bondi territory on the road while being far more trail-competent and planted than soft rivals: firmer, predictable foam, great rock protection and traction. It weighs over 13 oz in a US 11, has no heel pull tab, and a mm or two more width would be welcome.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein & David Salas · 2 days ago
Graded A-: One tester keeps reaching for it for easy days on nearly any terrain. It's very stable for a neutral shoe thanks to the H-frame, sole flare, sidewalls and solid traction. The fit is low volume, and the toe cap can rub.
Blog · Believe in the Run – John Calabrese & Michael Loutzenheiser · 2 days ago
A Swiss Army knife for easy to medium days on mixed surfaces, with a perfect fit for one tester, rock-steady support and a plush upper. It's a whopper, too big for racing or technical descents, where the forefoot and midfoot felt a little loose. Party pace only.
Blog · The French Run – Alexandre · 2 days ago
Bought for trail, it became his main training shoe, and he liked it so much he bought an identical second pair to rotate. As a supinator, the side lugs have worn smooth, hurting grip off-camber and in mud. He expects 650–700 km, maybe ~1,000 km for a neutral runner.
Blog · Tom's Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · 2 days ago
A great racing shoe that stands up well against the best on the market and is Brooks' best racer yet. He wouldn't rush to buy it, though, given the quality of rivals and the imminent successor.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Brandon Law · 2 days ago
Brooks finally joins the PEBA party with a competitive marathon racer: more energy return, responsiveness that made speeding up effortless, and an incredibly breathable knit upper. Its firm-ish ride resembles the Metaspeed Sky Paris. There's no aggressive forefoot rocker, and the design looks dated.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Thomas Neuberger & Meaghan Murray · 2 days ago
Not one tester's first pick. Brooks finally has a competitive marathon racer that stacks up against the Vaporfly, Metaspeed and Adios Pro 4. One tester, burned by v2 (22 miles to bloody heels), wouldn't make it her #1 start-line pick but thinks it will be for many. Another tester is wary of how Brooks has rolled out its racers.
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 – Kristin Lassen · 2 days ago
A remarkable, fun shoe and the best in cushion, stability and upper support, with smooth transitions and a quality heel counter. The sock liner is mediocre and broke down by ~40 mi. The new flex groove exposes midsole under the big toe, which was already wearing at 70 mi, and it's pricey.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Sam Sheldon & Austin Bonds · 2 days ago
A real go-to: reliable, comfortable and stable, the kind of shoe that will feel the same at 300 miles as at three. It's not exciting, and you'll never be surprised by your pace. One tester would like Brooks to shed about an ounce and a couple of millimetres of drop.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Zack, Sam & Dominique · 2 days ago
Familiar trainer comfort with trail support and protection, great for mixing trail, gravel and road. The sturdy outsole is versatile, though one tester wonders how the rubber will wear on road.
Blog · iRunFar – Kristin Zosel · 2 days ago
She absolutely loves it for daily runs on buffed singletrack, gravel and dirt roads, especially on longer or beat-up days when she wants extra cushioning. The Pegasus Trail 5 and Pulsar feel speedier and more agile.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Ben David & Derek Li · 2 days ago
A broad platform, ample toe box and breathable upper on a durable, traditional-riding trainer. Grip is decent wet and dry, a little less sure on damp roads. It's heavy and the ride bland, and the slightly low volume may not suit high-volume feet or very warm conditions.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein · 2 days ago
An easy-going, stable neutral shoe for walking and easy running, good for orthotic users and lower arches. The rocker rolls you along with a smooth heel transition, and it's highly durable. The midsole isn't responsive, it feels heavy for the first 10–15 mi, and it's limited to easy paces.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Meaghan Murray & Chad Zimmermann · 2 days ago
A solid, reliable daily trainer for easy and recovery days: not exciting, but little to complain about, and a comfortable, durable, reasonably priced entry-level pick. It threads the needle between v1 and v2 with a much better look, though the ride felt firmer if more responsive.
Blog · OutdoorGearLab – Nathaniel Bailey · 2 days ago
Comfortable and predictable, with good protection for long, easy runs, but there are better options. It's stiff, so feet pulled against the midsole in the high-volume upper. It isn't very supportive despite the wide base, and the upper was hot in summer. Rivals offer similar cushioning lighter and more versatile.
Blog · RunToTheFinish – Stacey Gross · 2 days ago
Plusher than the previous model, with a wider base and moderate cushioning for all-day comfort, a soft breathable upper that holds the foot, and durability for many miles. Not versatile, so not one for faster paces, and it's on the heavy side.
Blog · Runmag – Florent · 2 days ago
His first Brooks won him over: fast on runnable trail and versatile in the end, ideal from 25–30 km up to marathon-length trails. He couldn't test it in wet conditions as the trails had dried, and suspects that could be its Achilles heel.
Blog · Journal du Trail – Vincent Gaudin · 2 days ago
More versatile than v3 without losing its dynamic DNA: a thicker sole and more cushioning widen its range while staying playful, with a well-locked heel and comfort on runnable paths. Grip is only fair on wet ground, the cushioning is limited for ultras, and mesh durability is uncertain.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Taylor Bodin, Reese Ruland & Allison Mercer · 2 days ago
Didn't live up to the hype: the firm midsole held back the tech, leaving one tester disappointed, though he calls it still decent, more protective and stable.
Blog · OutdoorGearLab – Matthew Richardson · 2 days ago
A light, stable, comfortable ride and one of the best Brooks trail shoes they've tested, recommended for beginners and experienced runners on easy-to-moderate terrain. It can feel overly rigid on technical ground, and they prefer the lighter, more nimble v3.
Blog · CleverHiker – Ian Krammer · 2 days ago
Reliable for long-term use: very breathable for hot desert and humid forest runs, with a protective toe cap, excellent laces and a locked-in fit, and minimal wear after 500 mi. It's expensive and a bit narrow, the plate feels stiff on asphalt and hardpack, and traction falls short on soft terrain.
Blog · Better Trail – Jenny Abegg · 2 days ago
Their favourite Brooks trail shoe: light, firm and fast-feeling, with an exceptionally stable ride, locked-in fit and consistent traction from slick rock to dirt. Comfortable enough for 30 miles. The firm, moderate cushioning lacks comfort for long or recovery days, and it's less lively than earlier versions.
Blog · Journal du Trail – Vincent Gaudin · 2 days ago
Revives the classic with liveliness and Vibram grip: softer, taller and more reactive, filtering the ground better and faster on runnable sections. A trusted shoe for 60 km+ on any terrain. The trade-off is less stability on off-camber ground, less precision in technical sections and a snugger forefoot.
Blog · Outdoor Adept – Livia Moreanu · 2 days ago
The rebuild worked for her: dependable grip on wet rock, steady on rocky, sloping ground, and the firmer foam held up on long days. With no rock plate a few sharp points came through, though none hurt. Wet grass soaks through the mesh within 10–15 minutes and damp roots are less sure.
Blog · Better Trail – John Ellings · 2 days ago
Very few shoes do it all like v20: stable, cushioned for big efforts and excellent Vibram traction on and off trail. The thin collar lining frayed at the ankle and heel, the toe box is slightly low, and the wide base keeps it from feeling sporty.
Blog · iRunFar – Alli Miles · 2 days ago
After hundreds of miles in v18 and v19, she switched into it mid-race and ran the last 80 miles of a 100-miler in it, with her foot locked in and the shoe responsive throughout. She's convinced it's the best version yet, evolved from a clunky 'meh' shoe into one of her favourites for everyday runs or ultras.
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 · Runhike – Tofu · 2 days ago
Specialised for lightness, middling in performance. With no plate to the toe the final push-off is weak, and stride extension takes effort. It lacks the rocker-roll of the Edge Tokyo too. Only an advantage in races where every gram matters, and he can't find a use for it next to the Sky and Edge.
Blog · Kyo mo Hashirimasuta+ · 2 days ago
A strong buy: marshmallow-soft and astonishingly light, and he ran his 3 km ekiden leg 47 s faster than the previous year, a PB at 53. The outsole wore as if he'd run a full marathon after only 3 km, and the instability gave him sore abs for three days. Keep it for very special races.
Blog · Kami no BU Nisshi – Kami · 2 days ago
Under 120 g and feels like nothing, with soft foam and surprisingly durable thin rubber after a full marathon. But it was wobbly even at 3:35/km, and he cramped after 20 km at Kobe. As he faded, the softness turned into bouncing up rather than forward, so for him it's a half-marathon-and-under shoe.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Meaghan Murray & Thomas Neuberger · 2 days ago
Ridiculously good at race pace, sinking into soft foam that gives the energy straight back. A weapon on the right feet, but not for most people: recovery jogs felt wobbly, one tester wouldn't recommend it to mid-pack marathoners, and another tester's pair looked heavily worn at 52 mi.
Blog · Doctors of Running – David Salas · 2 days ago
Incredibly light and bouncy, with plenty of cushioning for long-distance racing and an A- for performance. The FF Leap foam is inherently unstable and the narrow midfoot doesn't help, so it can wobble through the midfoot and on sharp turns.
Blog · Webroccoli – ANaSa · 2 days ago
Lighter and softer than the GT-2000 14, with stable, careful footing and modest rebound that suits daily running, at great value. Still firm compared with rivals. The heel counter is low and the hold feels flimsy, and it's an earnest training shoe without much cushioning fun.
Blog · Unattached Runner – Seiya Ishikawa · 2 days ago
Stability plus bounce: more trampoline-like than expected, and at around 4:00/km he forgot it was a support shoe. Stable via a wide base and heel hold, without correcting your stride. It stands out from rivals at its unchanged ¥16,500 price. The firm, locked-in feel has faded, for better or worse.
Blog · Find My Footwear – Paul Freary · 2 days ago
A nice update: less weight and more cushioning make it a better shoe all round. The control is subtle yet effective, and he found it great for daily miles and even the occasional tempo. Now competitively priced, a good choice for many runners.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Eva Wiehe · 2 days ago
Excellent, unobtrusive stability that doesn't feel like a traditional stability shoe, with modern FF Blast Max comfort and a wide, secure platform. Surprisingly versatile and not stiff. It lacks propulsion and bounce for fast runs, runs a bit small, and the low forefoot may feel tight for wide feet.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein & Bach Pham · 2 days ago
A lighter moderate-stability trainer with great, full-length centred medial stability. It handled threshold work better than expected, so stability-needing runners might even race a marathon in it. The fit is overly snug and low volume, the heel counter is stiff and the heel still a bit clunky.
Blog · Unattached Runner – Seiya Ishikawa · 2 days ago
Rated A: the rocker is stronger than v1's (partly thanks to a new EVA insole), it's more responsive and ~20 g lighter, and it feels like a jog-friendly Magic Speed 4 with real forefoot propulsion. Good for tempo running and as a gentle first plated shoe. The price rose ¥2,200.
Blog · RunToTheFinish – Beth Long · 2 days ago
Comfortable, stable, lightweight cushioning, a roomy toe box and good toe-off let her focus on form rather than her feet. Good looking too. But the tall heel tab rubbed her raw and caused small blisters on double-digit runs, so for her it's best under 10 miles. Not responsive enough for speed or racing.
Blog · Doctors of Running – David Salas & Matt Klein · 2 days ago
A maximal, rockered daily trainer with a great cushion-to-weight ratio, surprising versatility and stability from a slightly firm, wide base. Best as a steady cruiser with some uptempo ability. The heel is too snug at the back and can rub, and the toe box is tapered and low.
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 · Runaddicts – Paweł Florek · 2 days ago
Above-average stability, excellent build quality and looks, and good ventilation. Comfort is only average when running fast, the tongue is thick and poorly ventilated, and there's fairly little toe room. Rated 4/5 overall.
Blog · Fordy Runs – Fordy · 2 days ago
A huge step up from this shoe Edge as a daily trainer: forgiving, responsive, wide and stable, slightly firmer than the Edge but never mushy. It comfortably covers six miles and picks up the pace without complaint, which adidas has struggled to nail outside the Evo SL.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Sam Winebaum · 2 days ago
At long last, a fun, modern all-round adidas daily trainer: an energetic, fast and stable ride, and less stack than the Edge adds lively snappiness and versatility at any pace. The plasticky upper adds weight the underfoot materials shouldn't need, and it's priced at the upper end of its class.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Thomas Neuberger & Karl Fernandez · 2 days ago
One tester likes it after break-in. A stand-out look and a slightly firmer Hyperboost Pro ride than the Edge that softens and opens up after about ten miles. Another tester finds it lacks the Edge's magic and isn't an uptempo daily trainer, telling most people to spend $30 more on the Edge. At $170 it's a steep ask.
Blog · El del Pelotón de Atrás – Roberto · 2 days ago
It can technically do easy runs, tempo and reps, but not equally well. At slow paces the midsole is firm and flat and he wanted them off after 14 km. At fast paces the rocker works, energy return appears and the transition is fantastic. Wear after 100 km was practically nil.
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 · Running Shoes Guru – Brandon Law · 2 days ago
An upgrade over the Kinvara Pro, with a softer, more energetic ride, a flexible plate that makes it more engaging, a comfier stretchy upper and a better outsole. Deeply cushioned, perfect for long runs and able to pick up the pace. It's less stable and heavier than the Kinvara Pro.
Blog · Tom's Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · 2 days ago
The thick, dense PWRRUN layer deadens the IncrediRun foam, so it's neither bouncy nor soft, and he didn't enjoy running fast in it. It's heavy, the transition isn't smooth and it's loud. Cushioned enough for daily miles, but cheaper trainers like the Novablast 5 are better, so he wouldn't recommend it.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein & Andrea Myers · 2 days ago
A stable-neutral performance trainer with a responsive ride and great pace versatility, enjoyable for easy miles thanks to balanced compliance and resilience. The heel is clunky, the weight noticeable, durability slightly below average with early wear on exposed foam, and it needs half a size up.
Blog · Run & Smile – Roman Brcar · 2 days ago
Best at marathon and half-marathon pace, where the rocker and 3/4 carbon plate come alive. It also worked well for intervals. At slow paces the firm bottom foam feels too stiff, and the upper ran warm. After 100 km there was no visible wear, and he'll use it for marathon-pace long runs.
Blog · Courir Mieux – Margaux de Chanaleilles · 2 days ago
The evolution she was waiting for: real progress in liveliness and rockers, and she finds it a genuinely successful shoe. Three caveats: stability can fall short on truly mountainous terrain, the foam won't please those wanting lots of pop, and grip is only average if you want serious bite.
Blog · Doctors of Running – David Salas · 2 days ago
Very versatile while keeping great cushioning and ride at easy paces, with a well-done rocker for long outings and excellent stability from tall sidewalls and full-contact outsole. Immense value at $160. The upper is snug through the midfoot, and it slips a little on wet rock.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Renee Krusemark, Sam Edgin & Chad Zimmermann · 2 days ago
A comfort shoe through and through: the soft but not mushy midsole and RelieveSphere insole really diffuse uneven impacts. It's almost more comfortable over sharp rocks than on flat ground, which makes it a big-miles shoe worth the gift-card budget.
Blog · GB Ultra Runner – Ash · 2 days ago
A big v2 fan, he wasn't let down: 15 backyard-ultra laps (~100 km) with no blisters or hot spots, and it handled everything with ease. A great all-rounder. The one negative is grip in true UK slop and boggy mud. He has yet to try it on jagged technical terrain.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Jen Schmidt, John Tribbia & Jeff Valliere · 2 days ago
Long miles and medium-to-wide feet? Could be your favourite: max cushion with an energetic ride, surprisingly light, and comfortable for high-mileage training, ultras and hiking. The thick upper holds heat and moisture, traction isn't perfect on wet rock, and low-volume feet can't cinch the midfoot.
Blog · FueledByLOLZ – Hollie Sick · 2 days ago
She likes the ride for shorter efforts. She likes it, but it's too firm for her beyond 15 miles. After 50 miles the outsole showed significant wear, so she doubts it will last 100. At $289 it's no better than other carbon racers: you pay for the name.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Brandon Law · 2 days ago
Disappointing and not in his top two tiers of marathon racers. The ride is too firm, the propulsion modest and the rocker not prominent. Traction, the upper and lockdown are great, but durability is the biggest weakness, with heavy lateral wear, and at $290 it's not worth it.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Ryan, Derek, Joost & Sam · 2 days ago
Smooth and efficient at 10K-to-marathon race pace and nimble like a racing flat. It helps hold turnover and is a huge step up from Echo 1. It needs roughly 8:10/mile or faster, the plate feels rigid near the heel, the price is top level, and one tester saw significant outsole wear by 45 mi.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Meaghan Murray, Robbe Reddinger & Ryan Haines · 2 days ago
Light years ahead of the hard-plated Echo 1 and 2: in mile repeats the shoe seemed to disappear, and it runs faster than its fairly heavy weight. One tester wouldn't pick it for a marathon, since the firm HF foam would thrash his legs, but it's great for 10K and under, maybe a half.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein & Andrea Myers · 2 days ago
A premium upper on a firmer super-shoe base that finally fixes the Echo's gaps. One of the best-fitting super shoes she has tested, highly responsive and most comfortable at 5K to threshold pace. Neither liked it as much at marathon pace, and the price stays high.
Blog · Run With Bala – Balaji Manoharan · 2 days ago
The most energetic foam among his support shoes, with max cushion and a modern support system that helps the ankle without stressing the foot. An excellent shoe for easy runs and all-day wear. It doesn't feel like a proper long-run shoe, more a walking and all-day shoe, so wait for a sale.
Blog · Tom's Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · 2 days ago
A very good, comfortable, stable shoe with a bit of bounce, which stability runners long missed out on. He liked it more than the Kayano 32 and Hurricane 25, which are less lively. Too heavy for faster running. Those wanting lighter and more versatile should look at the Arahi 8.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Robbe Reddinger & Thomas Neuberger · 2 days ago
Soft and stable, but for one tester it gets blocky and burdensome after 5 miles. It's a lot of shoe, he isn't sure it's necessary, and he prefers the Structure 26, which has more toe-off bite and costs $25 less.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein & David Salas · 2 days ago
A step up in plushness from the Structure 26, with great rearfoot and midfoot stability and excellent durability and wet/dry traction. It's an excellent walking shoe. The heel is clunky from a sharp bevel, it's firmer than expected and heavier than the 26.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Brandon Law · 2 days ago
A disappointment next to the Vomero Plus: the thick ReactX frame makes the ride flat and old-school, and it isn't fun. Lockdown is excellent, the step-in feel plush and the outsole durable. It's less stable than other stability trainers, heavy for a daily shoe and narrow in the midfoot.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Michael Ellenberger & Allison Valliere · 2 days ago
Great cushioning and overall comfort, a gentle forefoot rocker one tester enjoyed, and durability that promises a long life. It's not hyper-modern: the Midfoot Support System is noticeable, it's no secret workout shoe, and another tester finds the styling generic.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein & David Salas · 2 days ago
A welcome return to real stability, with a heel clip, a big midfoot sidewall and a firmer, guided ride. For one tester it's a great 8–10 mile shoe with no outsole wear at 50 mi. The firm forefoot feels a bit thin and the heel is stiff, and another tester felt it was only slightly more stable than a neutral shoe.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Brandon Law · 2 days ago
More of a true stability trainer than the last two Structures, with a heel clip, more arch support and a firmer ride. Durable, with great traction, but the arch pokes flat feet, the Air unit makes the forefoot lumpy and the upper runs warm. He prefers the 24, and it won't stay in his rotation.
Blog · Coach – Nick Harris-Fry · 2 days ago
A stable, cushioned daily stability trainer with a durable outsole at reasonable value: reliable for easy runs. It isn't exciting, though. It's too heavy and lacks the bounce for fast running, and the firm midsole made him want something softer beyond 15 miles. He prefers the Kayano 30, Tempus or ForeverRun.
Blog · taka-run – taka · 2 days ago
A sharply focused shoe for intermediate and advanced forefoot runners: overwhelmingly light with spike-like ground feel and superb forefoot rebound. He planned to use it for regular speed work too, so he wished it were more durable. The thin upper looks fragile, and it's expensive and demanding of fitness.
Blog · Unattached Runner – Seiya Ishikawa · 2 days ago
Rated A: it feels more like a spike (a Dragonfly) than a shoe, and he could hold 1500 m race pace on the road, so he could replace spikes for some sessions. Very light, great on the track and for hard sessions. It runs slightly small and narrow, it's not for heel strikers, and the price rose about ¥6,000.
Blog · Runner's World UK – Rick Pearson · 2 days ago
Refreshing in a marathon-focused market: bold updates make it a true PB-breaker for 10K and under. Propulsive, true to size and comfortable out of the box. Its limited application makes it an extra super shoe rather than your only one.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Bryan & Ryan · 2 days ago
Five smiles from one tester: bespoke and epic at track-rep paces, where ZoomX and the plate give a smooth toe-off. It's more forgiving than spikes, with a phenomenally grippy outsole. Very specific and unversatile, harsher than most road shoes, for forefoot strikers only, and durability is likely limited.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Robbe Reddinger & Thomas Neuberger · 2 days ago
It finally separates this shoe from the do-it-all Vaporfly, and one tester thinks it now stands apart from every other 5K racer. A cutthroat, short-distance specialist rather than a versatile shoe.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Andrea Myers · 2 days ago
Performance graded A+: the best shoe she has tested for road mile races. Super light and highly responsive, with ground feel that lets you load the forefoot. Best for mile to 5K, or 10K with strong feet. Heel strikers may feel a negative drop, the upper is narrow and snug, and she sized up half a size.
Blog · Unattached Runner – Seiya Ishikawa · 2 days ago
A near-elite model he rates A+: speed close to the SC Elite v6 with equal rebound, strong propulsion and plenty of cushioning without hard foam. Good for long runs, threshold work, intervals and marathons from sub-3 to sub-4. The one downside is that it feels unstable for jogging.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Peter, Maya, Sam, Sally, Stephen & Adam · 2 days ago
More nimble, faster and more fun than the SC Trainer it replaces: it feels terrific at any pace and hums at marathon pace, and one tester questions his race-shoe choice. Grip was fine on slippery stone, but it's tippy on loose gravel. Testers agree the upper won't suit broad or high-volume feet.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein & team · 2 days ago
A light, responsive Infinion trainer with real pace versatility: a bouncy heel and early forefoot transition that feel solid on long runs, easy days, tempos and intervals. The tapered toe box, narrow fit and inconsistent sizing across testers need fixing. The forefoot is firmer.
Blog · Trailrunning.it – Gianluca Gaggioli · 2 days ago
A shoe any trail runner can take over medium and long distances at any pace and finish with rested feet. It's very protective without bulk, comfortable from 3:50/km pushes to brisk hikes with a 30 L pack, and never feels mushy, though it gives no help at toe-off.
Blog · The Running Club – Davide Bonato · 2 days ago
Very pleasant and comfortable, and he liked it, but the range is limited to easy terrain, door-to-trail and mixed runs. After 150 km the softer Vibram compound showed fairly heavy outsole wear, and he expects no more than ~500 km. Hard to rate low durability highly at this price.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Allison Mercer, Sam Edgin & Melissa Guillen · 2 days ago
Comfortable and good on less technical trails, it shines in hybrid road-and-trail or fire-road running. One tester found the firmness less accommodating as runs went long, and another tester got heel pain on longer runs, perhaps from the drop.
Blog · Doctors of Running – David Salas · 2 days ago
A max-cushion trail shoe with a wide, centred platform, decent traction and good versatility as a daily shoe. The upper gives under medial and lateral forces, so it translates on angled or technical descents, and the forefoot is tapered.
Blog · OutdoorGearLab – Ally Arcuri · 2 days ago
Not an all-round high scorer, but worth considering for its easy comfort, durability and mid-range price. The Vibram tread gives agility and confidence on loose and technical ground, though the lugs aren't as bitey as some. The heel cup hugs the rearfoot well.
Blog · iRunFar – Annie Behrend · 2 days ago
Reliable, plush and comforting, like the Midwest cinnamon rolls that fuelled her first runs in them. It transitions seamlessly from pavement to dirt road and trail on her mixed loops, with enough grip to climb and descend confidently.
Blog · Personal Running Coach – Roberto Martini · 2 days ago
An honest shoe: comfortable, reliable and durable, the one you'll reach for most. Breathable upper, great comfort on long runs and a tough outsole, with no visible wear after ~100 km. It isn't for those seeking responsiveness or lightness, and the foam can feel firmer than other Fresh Foam.
Blog · Runner's World – Jeff Dengate · 2 days ago
The thicker, softer midsole pushes it into cushy territory once held by the 1080, and the $140 price will win many runners. Well cushioned without being too soft. It's heavier than before and may feel too thick and stiff for some, so runners wanting responsiveness should look elsewhere.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein · 2 days ago
A maximal daily trainer with a well-cushioned, balanced ride and stable neutral feel, for easy running and walking. The lateral side broke in after 15–20 mi and the foam has stayed consistent. The midsole is slightly firm and it's best for easy efforts only. The upper isn't sockless-friendly.
Blog · The Running Club – Paolo Corsini · 2 days ago
Fixes the original's main limits: much lighter, a more breathable upper and a new sense of stability and protection. It sits between daily trainers and racers, clearly favouring comfort over pure reactivity, which makes it one of the most versatile options.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Meaghan Murray, Chad Zimmermann & Thomas Neuberger · 2 days ago
Testers reached for it day after day for easy miles, long runs and recovery: stable, comfortable and a true workhorse, if not the plushest. Its looks are much improved. At $225 it isn't the pick for faster miles, but it's fair value for a long-lasting easy/long-run shoe.
Blog · The Size 15 Runner – The Size 15 Runner · 2 days ago
Less stack, less weight and an updated carbon plate lift it to new heights: more versatile and more stable, with solid energy return. Proof that less shoe can be more. He rates it better value than the $230 Vomero Premium. It's pricey, and the upper is dense.
Blog · Journal du Trail – Vincent Gaudin · 2 days ago
The A-TPU foam and plate give a clear push as the pace rises. The wide heel feels secure on dry, runnable trails despite the stack, and dry grip convinced him. It's weak in mud, with limited heel hold and little lateral protection.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Taylor Bodin · 2 days ago
He expected a blast-off sensation and was surprised by its efficiency-over-everything feel, but the more he ran the more he loved it: energetic and snappy, like a Metafuji/Tecton X 3 blend. A structured, padded heel anchors the foot far better than the flimsy Tecton X 3 upper.
Blog · iRunFar – Craig Randall · 2 days ago
Less magical than the road v3 but more versatile: lighter, faster and more efficient than most trail shoes, with enough stability and traction where a road shoe would struggle. The A-TPU foam stayed bouncy and responsive for about 100 mi.
Blog · CleverHiker – Nathan Allen · 2 days ago
A comfort-forward, soft but springy racer for hard-packed trail and gravel roads: 10 comfortable, responsive miles out of the box and no durability issues near 100 mi. It's the priciest shoe on their list, niche, and not great on uneven or slick terrain.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Sam Sheldon · 2 days ago
A bit bulkier but still an old-school trainer, fast enough for speed work and cushioned enough for daily miles: an amazing shoe. He finds the regular v2 naturally stable already and thinks the GuideRails detract, so most people should skip this shoe version.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Kristin Lassen · 2 days ago
Built for sustained speed over long intervals and 5K/10K training, and it delivers. Responsive with just enough comfort, plus a smooth transition, light weight and breathability. Her middle- and high-school kids loved it for cross country. The heel counter is small.
Blog · Doctors of Running – David Salas · 2 days ago
A light, nimble ride with decent responsiveness that stays stable thanks to GuideRails, strong lockdown and extra forefoot traction. Performance graded A. It feels durable throughout. The volume is snug for some, and the wide tongue creases on the lateral side.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Allison Valliere · 2 days ago
Completely overhauled and improved: smooth, supportive, comfortable and durable. It now relieves her plantar fasciitis as well as or better than before, and it's great for long days on her feet as a nurse. She lists no cons.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein · 2 days ago
A big improvement: a smoother heel transition despite the 12 mm drop, a more accommodating toe box and moderate-to-high stability from the medial post. The midsole absorbs shock more than it responds, and it's heavier than needed. The low-volume upper is hard to lock down.
Blog · The Running Club – Dario Marchini · 2 days ago
The typical stable daily trainer, improved by nitro-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning and supportive GuideRails for overpronators. After 150 km there was no visible wear even in high-contact zones, which promises a long life for heavier runners too. Grip is average, perhaps not great in the wet.
Blog · Runner's World – Amanda Furrer (wear-tester Kristin Shiner) · 2 days ago
A wear-tester, a heel striker, found the fit great with no break-in, no blisters and no sliding. The cushioning helped on longer runs without the heel or forefoot soreness she sometimes gets. It's just plain comfortable.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Olivia Yoder · 2 days ago
Durable, with little to no wear after 50+ mi, and its stable, supportive structure makes it her go-to for all-day walks and errands. As a daily running shoe it's firmer than expected (it breaks in after 20–30 mi) and bulky. Size up half a size.
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 · Road Trail Run – Maren & Marcel · 2 days ago
Outstanding propulsion and a reactive FF Leap midsole, and almost road-shoe smooth on paved sections. One tester's first carbon trail shoe. It only comes alive at higher speed and feels too race-oriented for easy runs. Grip is limited in mud, the pointed toe box suits narrow feet, and it's expensive.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Reese Ruland, Renee Krusemark & Taylor Bodin · 2 days ago
An airy, snappy, speedy ride that feels more road-to-light-trail or gravel shoe than do-it-all mountain racer. One tester, who broke her ankle in v1, kept it off technical trail. It was perfect for gravel intervals, and the drawstring laces mostly stay put.
Blog · Live For The Outdoors – James Forrest · 2 days ago
Spectacularly fast but highly specialised: one of the most energetic trail rides he has experienced and a rocket on gravel, runnable climbs and hard-packed paths. The super-high stack gives little lateral stability, so ankle rolls are a real risk on uneven terrain.
Blog · The Running Channel – Mark Dredge · 2 days ago
One of the most impressive trail racers available, comparable to a road super shoe in responsiveness. It only comes alive when you push the pace, best on non-technical, runnable trail. Avoid it if you have weak ankles or Achilles issues or only run easy.
Blog · Run for Fun – funfun · 2 days ago
The 'Suzuki Jimny of trail shoes': minimal and agile, with direct ground feel, Nike Free-level cushioning, and good grip. It's light enough to race short trails, as he did at Hasetsune 30K. The heel cup is shallow, the laces slippery, and it's slightly snugger than other Altras.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Denny Krahe · 2 days ago
A long-time Superior fan who only used earlier versions on very non-technical trail, he was pleasantly surprised. The added cushioning fixes the old problems on technical sections. It's light, comfortable and durable. The toe box is narrower than past Superiors.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Michael Loutzenheiser · 2 days ago
The midsole errs on the side of harsh. Without a rock plate there isn't enough stack except on soft dirt or pine needles. It suits a narrow group: zero-drop fans who want a lower-leg strengthening trainer or a sub-ultra racer. He doesn't see it working for most trail runners.
Blog · Journal du Trail – Vincent Gaudin · 2 days ago
Still a must-have for non-technical races up to about 80 km. It climbs and descends well, and the seamless ripstop mesh should last longer. Cushioning is a bit thin, hold on off-camber ground is limited, and weight is up (327 g claimed). The fit runs slightly larger than v6/v7.
Blog · The Trek – Eloise Robbins · 2 days ago
A solid version of everyone's favourite trail runner: if you liked the 7s you'll like these. The wide toe box is the real draw, and they are easier to put on. Durability still lags boots and some trail shoes, though it has improved. She'll use them on her thru-hike and may stockpile pairs.
Blog · Treeline Review – Sam Schild · 2 days ago
The roomy toe box (also in wide) and ground feel remain the draw, and grip handles most conditions. The v8 durability updates seem to be an improvement on earlier uppers that holed out. The gaiter ring is gone, and they find the Topo Timp offers more overall.
Blog · iRunFar – Molly Schmelzle · 2 days ago
Still a favourite zero-drop shoe for its versatility, reliability and comfort: a feel-good sigh of relief on slipping them on. The gusset and functional pull tabs give a snugger midfoot. The outsole isn't overly aggressive or tacky, which also makes it fine for town and field days.
Blog · Runner's World UK – Ali Ball · 2 days ago
Comfortable fit, decent cushioning and impressive traction make it a reliable shoe for steady miles, walks or the gym. But it's a vanilla option with no standout quality. It irritated the insides of her feet near the big toes on a 22 km run, so it's best kept to runs of about 16 km.
Blog · T3 – Matt Kollat · 2 days ago
Not one for PBs, but a bouncy, comfortable trainer for casual runs and walks, with 9 mm more Light Boost than this shoe Light. The area over the toes felt a little less roomy than the previous model. A solid choice if you want a stylish, comfy running shoe.
Blog · Find My Footwear – Kieran Alger · 2 days ago
Perfectly competent but largely unremarkable: comfortable, easy to run in and nicely balanced, with nothing glaringly wrong. The upper ran thick and hot on longer summer runs, and the Boost midsole lacks the punch of livelier trainers.
Blog · Tom's Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · 2 days ago
Comfortable, good-looking and lighter than older Ultraboosts, and fine for general wear and easy runs up to 8–10 miles. As a running shoe it's outclassed: the Supernova Prima, Pegasus 41 and others are more versatile and comfortable for less money.
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 · Runmag – Corentin · 2 days ago
A reliable partner for long and very long distances: cushioned on every type of terrain, comfortable and stable, with a capable outsole. The fit and toe-box width won't suit everyone, so try before you buy.
Blog · WearTesters – Drew Whitcomb & Sam Lohse · 2 days ago
A comfortable, stable cushioned ride with a sticky Vibram outsole. The thick, durable mesh feels supportive but runs hot in summer, and they struggled to get a really solid heel lockdown.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Jen & Jeff V · 2 days ago
The best all-around trail shoe she has tried this year at $170, like favourite jeans. Another tester V found it soft but well stabilised. Laces come untied, it drains poorly, it's heavier than v3, and the foot slides forward on very steep downhills.
Blog · Live For The Outdoors – Milo Wilson · 2 days ago
More than it looks: a bombproof upper, reliable cushioning and an excellent full Vibram Megagrip outsole that gives control without going numb. One of the best ultra shoes he has tested recently. It isn't fast or light, and the lugs aren't ideal in mud.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Taylor Bodin · 2 days ago
Comfort, security and durability are the standouts, and Saucony fixed v3's durability problems. The fit is slightly roomy and the lacing chain is clever. At 338 g it's heavier, and the medium-soft foam dulls liveliness for those wanting a bouncy max-stack shoe. Built to go the distance.
Blog · Treeline Review – Sam Schild · 2 days ago
One of the cheapest shoes they tested at $140, yet it performs like pricier ones. Testers love the stable upper and generously cushioned, bouncy midsole, and say it does almost everything well, from rocky technical trail to muddy rolling paths and long days out.
Blog · Runner's World – Pat Heine (testers Connor Orr, Thomas Hengge) · 2 days ago
Still relatively firm with a thin EVA midsole, but light, secure and durable, with sure grip on dry terrain that let testers bomb loose descents. It slips a bit on wet and snowy surfaces and the forefoot cushioning feels thin. The single-toggle Quicklace is hard to tension.
Blog · GearJunkie – Matthew Medendorp · 2 days ago
He expected to dislike it but it became his highest-mileage shoe of 2023: comfortable, durable and grippy on most terrain, and fine on pavement. He wanted more grip on shale scrambles. Fine dust gets through the mesh, and wide feet may find the Quicklace tight.
Blog · Blister – Scott Vinsel · 2 days ago
Not flashy, but one of Salomon's most reliable trail shoes. It felt stiff and unforgiving for the first ~50 mi before breaking in. He rates it a stellar entry-level and road-to-trail shoe and a no-frills, high-mileage trainer for ultrarunners. Wide or high-volume feet may feel restricted at the collar.
Blog · Journal du Trail – Vincent Gaudin · 2 days ago
Versatile, comfortable and fairly priced, suiting non-technical courses up to about 100 km. Grip on dry and even wet rock surprised him given Salomon's reputation. The weak point is greasy mud, where the lugs don't bite.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Sam Edgin · 2 days ago
Durable, comfortable and protective at a killer price, but it feels slow and bloated. The plate is too flexible, leaving a dead toe-off, and the ride is very firm, though his feet felt fine after ten miles. Best sold as a durable everyday trail shoe rather than a speed shoe.
Blog · OutdoorGearLab – Ally Arcuri · 2 days ago
A 'minimalistic maximalist': comfortable, stable and grippy at a lower price than many favourites. The soft external toe cap makes downhills kind to the toenails, though it's less protective than firmer caps. It finished mid-pack in a competitive test.
Blog · OutdoorGearLab – Aaron Rice · 2 days ago
A near-perfect all-rounder: not the best at any one thing but good enough for almost any trail. He was surprised by how stiff it feels underfoot, yet it stays protective and stable without feeling like pillows. An obvious next step after entry-level shoes.
Blog · YukiYamada – Yuki Yamada · 2 days ago
He felt huge propulsion and a fast rebound: a tough 6 x 2 km session went almost perfectly and faster than planned. The downside was heavy calf fatigue, as if the quick return didn't sync with his stride. At ¥35,000 he thinks cheaper alternatives exist.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Peter & Renee · 2 days ago
A great-looking, fun race shoe that pushes you forward and shines in fast tempo work and races. It is stable for a 40 mm racer. Not as pleasant at slower paces, it needs a strong forefoot toe-off, and it could be lighter and more versatile.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Brandon Law · 2 days ago
Deep, fun cushioning that he looked forward to running in, but it's heavier, softer and slower to transition than v1. The squishy heel and lack of a forefoot rocker make workouts feel inefficient. At $260 he can't recommend it over cheaper, faster racers.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Thomas Neuberger & Meaghan Murray · 2 days ago
One of the best non-PEBA racers he has tried, with real bounce and pop and a forefoot that makes interval paces feel sustainable. Another tester loved the soft step-in feel. The weight makes one tester hesitant to race a marathon in it.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein · 2 days ago
A bouncy, maximal-stack racer whose long forefoot plate rewards runners with the calf strength to pivot off it. The extra ounce leaves it in an awkward spot between short workouts and the marathon, and the Achilles tab chafed. He wouldn't buy it at the price.
Blog · Unattached Runner – Seiya Ishikawa · 2 days ago
About 20 g lighter, handles all speed work, simple to use, and about ¥6,000 cheaper. The cushioning is slightly reduced.
Blog · Hokkaido Deli-Cam Run · 2 days ago
Shockingly light (153 g at 25.5 cm) with a better fit and smooth leg turnover: a real weapon for the back half of a marathon. If you want the VF3's explosive pop, you may find it slightly lacking.
Blog · Tomo-Ran – Ranmaru · 2 days ago
Ultra light, with direct ground feel and strong midfoot rebound that is hard to stop once rolling. A record weapon up to the half. For him the full marathon was very taxing, it is narrow for wide feet, and it is overkill and pricey for jogging.
Blog · Masa's Running Diary · 2 days ago
A sub-3.5 runner who ignored the 'half only' warnings: at 30 km he felt surprisingly fresh. He faded only on small climbs after 35 km, it was his easiest marathon finish yet, and his hip held up. 3:12 on a course that doesn't suit him.
Blog · iRun – Ben Kaplan · 2 days ago
A race-and-shoe story: landing on the balls of his feet, he felt the propulsion 'like pulling a Ferrari onto the Autobahn'. He finally found a runner's high at the Ottawa Marathon, and runners at the finish asked about his shoes.
Blog · Runner's World – Jeff Dengate, Thomas Hengge · 2 days ago
A snappy, versatile road racer: exceptionally fast for intervals and marathon-pace runs. The extra arch room helps high arches. On 15–16-mile workouts it firmed up and one tester wished for the Alphafly. Heel slip is listed as a con.
Blog · Sub3 – Patrick Hayes · 2 days ago
After PB-ing from 5K to half in it, he raced Seville in it: five reasons to consider it for a marathon despite the usual caution. It works best for engaged forefoot or light midfoot strikers. Grip isn't as confidence-inspiring as the VF3, so a wet race would give him pause.
Blog · RunToTheFinish – Cortney Berling · 2 days ago
Rated 88%. A significant update: the weight drop keeps it a fast shoe for shorter distances, best at half marathon and below, though you could get away with a marathon. It may feel more unstable and still lacks durability.
Blog · The Running Club – Davide Bonato · 2 days ago
Scores 7. Very comfortable (8) even over several hours and on hard ground, and more protective without the Air Zoom unit. It's good value at €105 or less and durable. The big, annoying issue is wet grip: pair it with another shoe for wet days.
Blog · Trail and Kale – Alastair Dixon · 2 days ago
Lighter and with more aggressive grip than v8, making it better on technical trails. It has a thoughtful gusseted tongue, extra lace padding, a toe bumper and improved durability. A true trail all-rounder and worth the upgrade.
Blog · Believe in the Run – John Calabrese, Melissa Guillen · 2 days ago
One tester wouldn't hesitate to toe a 50K start line in it again. It is versatile, with lugs that handle hard trail plus gravel and road, and more stable without the Zoom Air pod. The heel collects debris and the tongue can dig in.
Blog · Gearist – Brandon Wood, Arron · 2 days ago
One tester found thin protection and only short-run cushioning. One of another tester's most go-to trail shoes: nimble and quick, with a durable upper. The redesigned lugs bite well and showed little wear after 50 abrasive miles. There's only a thin rock plate and it lacks some pop of earlier versions.
Blog · The Running Club – Paolo Corsini · 2 days ago
Scores 7.6: a compact, almost minimalist racer despite the 40 mm stack, and a super shoe for everyone (midsole 8). The weight saving compromises stability for runners who aren't perfectly neutral or who overpronate even slightly. Solidly built: wear suggests 350+ km of racing. €280 is steep (value 6).
Blog · K's Running Life · 2 days ago
A citizen runner who chose it as his race shoe for the season. In his marathon he felt strong propulsion, running about 20 s/km faster than his usual feel. It is light at 207 g (27 cm) versus 243 g for v4.
Blog · Soushoku Junrei · 2 days ago
In his comparison for sub-3.5 to sub-3.15 runners, the Elite v4/v5 led to real race results (3:16 in v5). The Endorphin Elite 2 caused sesamoid pain and a fade. He values staying pain-free to the late stages over spec sheets.
Blog · T&Y's Papa · 2 days ago
Bought 10 days before Beppu-Oita. It held sub-3:15 pace to 35 km despite cramps and he set a PB with a minimal fade. The sole bounces moderately and the plate gives back what you put in: no standout trait, which is its strength. Lace tension made a big difference.
Blog · Run Hike – Toufu · 2 days ago
'An ally of the citizen runner': it handles any foot strike and a wide range of race paces, it is easy to use even at sub-3, and the grip doesn't slip. It is cheap on sale. It went from a rolling to a push-off shoe, it is very narrow, and he felt no Energy Arc benefit.
Blog · T3 – Matt Kollat · 2 days ago
Proves NB can make a true super shoe: fast, bouncy and surprisingly stable, with a wide toe box that finally fits wide feet. The outsole grip is improved and it is built to last (v4's outsole peeled after three runs). It is steep in price, the laces are long and ground feel is limited.
Blog · Bieganie.pl – Dariusz Korzeniowski · 2 days ago
A new dimension of cushioning for mountain run-walkers who prioritise comfort, beginners and heavier or wide-footed runners. The sole worked fully in testing and drains well on hard terrain. Ventilation was lacking in summer heat.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Robbe Reddinger, Thomas Neuberger · 2 days ago
'Fat tire fun': a set-it-and-forget-it shoe for big, comfortable miles at no specific pace, and it transitions surprisingly well to road. The big Vibram lugs bite in mud but add weight. He'd avoid slippery surfaces, and the lacing throat puckers when cinched.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Jeff B, Jeff V · 2 days ago
A very runnable behemoth: top-of-class cushioning (44 mm measured), solid durable traction and plenty of room for long-run swelling. Ideal for road-to-trail or 25+ mile runs. Low-volume feet may struggle with lockdown, and the wide, tall midsole is heavy (305 g).
Blog · Women's Running – Laura McGoldrick · 2 days ago
Cushioning and bounce kept her legs fresh on a long run, and the 5 mm Vibram lugs grip across terrain, including some road. She couldn't get enough ground feel on challenging terrain, and the stack felt unstable on steep downhills. Yes for long, comfortable runs.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein (DPT) · 2 days ago
Rated A/A- overall, personal A-. An extremely comfortable, stable-neutral max trail shoe for long easy efforts and casual wear. It is too big and heavy for anything fast, and he wishes it were lighter. The thick Vibram outsole should last far longer than most max trail shoes.
Blog · The Running Club – Dario Marchini · 2 days ago
Scores 6.4. Infinion makes it lighter, more elastic and more reactive, so it is more versatile than past 1080s. But after 150 km the outsole already shows the first signs of wear.
Blog · High-Instep Wide-Foot Shoe Lab – 羽場 広 · 2 days ago
At 150 km there's almost no loss of cushioning and durability looks excellent. The toe mesh lets water in after ~4 km in rain, and with thick socks his feet got heavy from 10 km. It drains well, though.
Blog · tomo.run · 2 days ago
Soft cushioning that stays healthy, with the midsole in good shape. The ankle and heel fit is the one weak point: the ankle padding is thin and the heel cup feels loose and unsupportive compared to v13/v14.
Blog · Shuichi Running – Shuichi Hibino · 2 days ago
Possibly 2026's best-buy jog shoe. Grip is superb, barely slipping on wet asphalt (a surprise for NB). Durability is high: at 520 km the midsole shape and cushioning held and the rubber was only lightly worn.
Blog · Sapporo Track Bike Diary – HOSH · 2 days ago
Cushioning and rebound in balance, stable without being too soft. Infinion makes it bouncy. Grip is good even on rainy training days. His go-to for jogs and long runs, with the Rebel v5 for workouts. The price is the only concern.
Blog · RunToTheFinish – Amanda Brooks · 2 days ago
Rated 97% and back on their best-cushioned list. The new foam and lighter weight incrementally improve a daily trainer that works for many runners. The upper is a little stiff, and a fuller rubber outsole would help durability.
Blog · Good Housekeeping – Heath Owens · 2 days ago
A comfy everyday trainer can be your race-day shoe: one pair carried the tester through a full training cycle and the L.A. Marathon. It is more responsive than past versions and holding up well. The soft, high foam isn't for overpronators or supinators.
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 · The Running Club – Paolo Corsini · 2 days ago
Scores 8.5: 'a winning shoe doesn't change'. The new collar fixes the X2's heel abrasion. After 160 km there's no abnormal wear, and lighter runners could see 800 km. Good value (7.5).
Blog · Unattached Runner – Seiya Ishikawa · 2 days ago
A leg-friendly, moderately propulsive and fairly stable trainer with an improved fit and a ¥5,500 price cut. As a super trainer it is underwhelming and could be lighter.
Blog · WearTesters – Drew Whitcomb, Annie Keris · 2 days ago
A lively, bouncy midsole that handles double-digit long runs with pace work. One tester loved it at every pace from 5K to marathon. The outsole and upper are durable and the upper is breathable. The tongue is floppy and almost unattached, and the fit is narrow-ish.
Blog · Active Gear Review – Niels Oomkes · 2 days ago
A sweet speed trainer and racer for an older runner building speed carefully. The ankle cuff, tongue and upper wrap the foot securely, and the Pebax plate gives a stronger push-off. He is watching outside-heel wear.
Blog · Tom's Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · 2 days ago
A great shoe that fixes the only real problem with v2: the improved upper makes easy runs more comfortable and it is even more versatile. It still performs at speed despite gaining weight (9.7 oz vs 9 oz in his size).
Blog · The Running Club – Andrea Soffientini · 2 days ago
Scores 6.9 (vs. 6.6 for v11). Not the revolution the name suggests or the super trainer they hoped for, but more convincing in outsole, upper and early durability. The €170 price is barely above the standard version.
Blog · Unattached Runner – Seiya Ishikawa · 2 days ago
Better named 'Bondi Plus': this shoe with added bounce, max-cushion height and a smooth rocker, covering recovery through tempo. It isn't the racing shoe the name suggests and is heavier than v11.
Blog · tomo.run · 2 days ago
Innovative, but half-baked as a shoe. The midsole sinks deeper than expected on landing, so foot wobble comes straight through, and this shoe's trademark stability is missing. He'd just buy v11, or a discounted v10.
Blog · Negibozu · 2 days ago
Completely different from v11. The forefoot rebound and propulsion shine on road climbs and mountain-pass sections. After 100 km the cushioning still feels firmish rather than the usual plush, and ~300 g is noticeable when pushing the pace.
Blog · ichiuma · 2 days ago
A tempo-up ride with more rebound: the fit is 5/5, the bounce is good, and it is great for pace runs and speed jogs. Stability is weaker than v11 (3/5), and at 277 g (27.0 cm) it isn't light.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Meaghan Murray, Chad Zimmermann, Ryan Haines · 2 days ago
Another tester: everything people love about this shoe, dialled up just enough to feel fresh. It is comfortable, versatile and fairly priced at $165. One tester expected more 'Pro' pep and feels it should just have been v11.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Andrea Myers, Nathan Brown (DPTs) · 2 days ago
A neutral daily trainer for easy miles. PROGLIDE+ supercritical EVA gives light compliance and responsiveness, though the stiff platform, moderate weight and muted rocker keep it in easy-run territory. It is a great addition to the line. They suggest opening up the restrictive midfoot overlays.
Blog · Tom's Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · 2 days ago
A cushioned daily trainer that is protective, comfortable and fun, and one of the strongest options in the category. A good all-rounder alongside a faster workout shoe. There is no need to own both it and v11.
Blog · Adventure Alan – Jaeger Shaw · 2 days ago
The comfiest, cushiest and grippiest version yet: zero blisters and ache-free feet over 300 miles. The midsole was shot and the tread worn by the end, which is average durability. It rubbed his arches early, there was minor outsole glue failure around mile 150, and the 8 mm drop is a con for him.
Blog · Tom's Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · 2 days ago
His favourite road-to-trail shoe and a safe option for any runner who splits time between surfaces. That versatility cuts both ways: for mountains or mud you'll want a specialist trail shoe.
Blog · iRunFar – Alli Miles · 2 days ago
An excellent everyday shoe for a wide variety of surfaces: highly cushioned, plush and stable, with a roomy toe box. It is versatile on pavement, gravel and non-technical trail and great for travel, but not designed for extreme terrain.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Taylor Bodin, Robbe Reddinger, Alex Elizabeth · 2 days ago
The outsole is sticky on wet, muddy, rocky, technical terrain, and the plate protects from roots and rocks. It is firm: One tester didn't get the promised bounce and wanted a little more stack. Another tester found it narrow in the midfoot.
Blog · Running Lab – Julien Guyod · 2 days ago
A hybrid that challenges the best: excellent dynamism for short and medium races, very good grip on compact, loose, rocky and snowy ground, and little mud build-up. Some testers found the recycled rubber grips slightly less well than v2.
Blog · Journal du Trail – Vincent Gaudin · 2 days ago
Rated 4.25/5. Excellent for performance and precision over medium distances, with good hold, immediate comfort and dynamism. It loses effectiveness on demanding ground: grip is just adequate in the wet, cushioning is limited for ultras, and mesh durability is uncertain.
Blog · WearTesters – Sam Lohse · 2 days ago
A snug, light, high-performance uptempo trail shoe. The main con is the outsole: good, but not grippy enough for rugged, snowy Utah terrain. The laces are short.
Blog · iRunFar – Reese Ruland · 2 days ago
A standout all-purpose trail shoe that balances traction, cushioning and modest responsiveness, with a snug fit. A perfect choice for a lightweight, fast trail shoe.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein (DPT) · 2 days ago
Overall grade B. A nimble, snappy, durable uptempo trail racer. One tester's personal grade is B-: similar to last year, the foam is too firm, the plate isn't as snappy as hoped, and it is pricey for what you get.
Blog · Action Magazine – Massimo Barbieri · 2 days ago
Immediately stable and at ease despite the high stack, with smooth rolling and great comfort and protection. On runnable descents you could go blindfolded. On technical descents it is bulky and heavy, and push too hard and the soft foam absorbs your effort. Size up.
Blog · Running Lab – Aurore Rousseau · 2 days ago
A comfortable, dynamic, robust trail monster truck you can trust to take you far almost anywhere. Traction was impeccable on wet climbs. It is a little less flexible and slightly firmer than v2, and heavy on paper (305 g).
Blog · Meta Endurance – Silke, Theo · 2 days ago
'Super comfort cruiser', not for technical trails. One tester made it her go-to trail shoe for its door-to-trail rolling comfort. The laces kept coming untied, and tightening them on a 5-hour run cut circulation and left another tester's feet numb.
Blog · The Running Club – Andrea Soffientini · 2 days ago
Scores 7. It doesn't overhaul a proven design but fixes what it needed: an FF Turbo Squared insert for a brighter ride, a better upper, and improved heel containment.
Blog · YukiYamada – Yuki Yamada · 2 days ago
Overwhelmingly good value. The cushioning sinks deep but has little rebound, and the forefoot feels stable. When picking up the pace the response is poor and toe-off timing goes off.
Blog · RuncerLAB – AZ · 2 days ago
A practical daily trainer for E-pace (4:50–5:15/km) that doesn't run away from you: more propulsion and stability than NB5, light (232 g measured), and no wear at 171 km. The NB5's trampoline fun is clearly gone, so NB5 fans may be disappointed.
Blog · Kosodate Run – hashiru · 2 days ago
His favourite feature is the fit: a racing-like hold even in the wide model, which doesn't look bulky. There was some midfoot tightness after the first 30 km, with no later effect. He calls it the one shoe that is enough, however many you own.
Blog · Negibozu · 2 days ago
Rated 4/5 by a sub-3 runner. The forefoot cushioning is much improved, it feels lighter, and it can handle tempo running. After 100 km and a full marathon, the forefoot cushion and lively feel are largely intact.
Blog · Tom's Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · 2 days ago
An outstanding daily trainer he'll recommend to everyone. He likes it more than the Pegasus 42 and Ghost 18, which are less cushioned, heavier and duller. New ASICSGRIP fixes past wet-grip weakness.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Sally, Sam, Stephen · 2 days ago
'Passe partout': a highly cushioned, peppy daily trainer, and ASICSGRIP now grips well wet or dry without trapping stones. The plush collars and woven upper likely add weight. One tester's soft-forefoot neuroma flared.
Blog · Runnea UK – Julen Palazuelo · 2 days ago
After 350 km it keeps its personality: comfortable, dynamic and versatile, with plenty of pop left though the foam has settled. The upper held up better than expected. Grip is good, but the outsole and exposed foam show clear wear.
Blog · The Running Club – Andrea Soffientini · 2 days ago
Scores 7.3. It balances cushioning and reactivity, so it doesn't tire you out while returning energy with every step (energy return 8). The plate gives a decisive forward push. Estimated life is 350–400 km, and FF Leap seems to wear faster than FF Turbo.
Blog · Run Hike – Toufu · 2 days ago
A shoe that cuts time, for runners who lengthen their stride. The new midsole makes it usable by more runners, and once up to speed it pulls you forward. It demands leg strength to keep compressing the foam over 42 km, and the arch is pinched hard.
Blog · ichiuma · 2 days ago
FF LEAP makes it lighter (~160 g at 27.0 cm) with more rebound and cushioning. After running both, he prefers it for its rebound and propulsion. Sizing at foot length +1.0 cm worked.
Blog · Sub-3 Runner's Wardrobe · 2 days ago
A cadence runner (191 spm) amazed by how much the cushioning and rebound have evolved: at 4:05–4:15/km the shoe widens your stride for you. When he faded to 5:00/km late on, it suddenly felt like a hard board. Not a magic shoe for everyone, but he will race Kobe in it.
Blog · Hokkaido Deli-Cam Run · 2 days ago
Light and propulsive, with rebound that leaves your legs fresh late in the race. The fit and breathability are excellent. It is slightly unstable on corners and rough roads, and durability is low: the toe and heel were gouged by ~150 km. He recommends saving it for goal races.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Robbe Reddinger, Thomas Neuberger · 2 days ago
One tester preferred the Edge in earlier generations but now prefers the Sky. The tongue is a thin flap that folds over easily, and choosing between Sky and Edge remains confusing.
Blog · Fordy Runs · 2 days ago
Outstanding, possibly PB-worthy, for stride-style mid/forefoot strikers who want something fast and fun. The rearfoot is still too soft and unstable for heel strikers or heavy pronators over longer distances. Best for 5K to half marathon.
Blog · OutdoorGearLab – Nathaniel Bailey · 2 days ago
Very fast: the aggressive geometry and explosive foam keep your legs rolling deep into hard efforts. The fit is the real problem. It is snug and runs a little short, with rigid, rough upper materials that can rub. They suggest trying a half size up.
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.
Blog · Doctors of Running – David Salas (DPT) · 2 days ago
Rated A-. It does exactly what it is advertised to do: smooth transitions and a balanced, cushioned, comfortable ride. Neutral, but with heel sidewalls and a wide base. The upper is extremely comfortable for easy efforts, though wear socks because of some internal stitching.
Blog · Journal du Trail – Vincent Gaudin · 2 days ago
Rated 4.25/5. Formidably efficient, with an explosive ride, smooth Lightstrike Pro cushioning and precise trajectories. A reference for chasing times. The heel hold could be better, stability is limited, and it is demanding and pricey, so it suits experienced trail runners.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Taylor Bodin, Allison Mercer · 2 days ago
Speed-first through and through: on runnable, predictable trail it is one of the most exciting rides available. Despite the added weight it doesn't feel bottom-heavy. Stability and control on technical trails are the tradeoffs.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Zack, Jeff, Jen, Adam, Dom · 2 days ago
Fast, with great energy return on runnable terrain. It is stiff, high and narrow-heeled, so it tips easily and demands focus on technical ground. The breakpoint is about 10 min/mile: much slower than that, look elsewhere.
Blog · ippo.run – Shotaro Nimura · 2 days ago
Rated 4.0/5. The best fatigue-flush jog shoe: tough cushioning and a stable landing protected his legs the day after hard workouts. At 400–500 km the midsole and outsole showed little wear. It is heavy for adidas (~283 g) and too muted for faster running.
Blog · boopolo · 2 days ago
An older runner ('at my age') avoiding plated shoes. Across 542 km and three marathons he had zero ankle issues. It isn't as fast as the Boston 12 or Adios Pro 3. He shows the wear on the shoes in a video.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Melissa Guillen, Renee Krusemark · 2 days ago
A versatile road-to-trail hybrid that excels in wet and mixed conditions, with a fun, responsive ride. It is flexible and easy to control on gravel and doubletrack, but not for switchback-heavy singletrack. The tongue bunched after about 60 mi.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Sam, Jen, Adam, Courtney · 2 days ago
Springy Lightstrike Pro foam with more grip and seasons. It is comfortable at any pace and doesn't prescribe a gait. It has gained weight over this shoe, and the upper is dense and warm.
Blog · Tom's Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · 2 days ago
His go-to winter running shoe. If you love the standard version SL and want a version for winter, it lives up to its billing: a fun, versatile daily trainer with more peace of mind on wet, mixed surfaces.
Blog · YukiYamada – Yuki Yamada · 2 days ago
Less exciting than v1 but a good shoe. The new two-layer Helion fixes v1's instability on landing at the cost of a firmer feel, so don't expect the soft cushion of the original. It is pricey.
Blog · Tom's Guide – Michael Sawh · 2 days ago
'More like a step backward.' The extra cushioning is comfortable and protective, but the added weight makes it less versatile than v1. The upper fits well and accommodates longer runs, and the ride is stable and smooth. It feels like a firmer big-cushion shoe that walks well.
Blog · Shuichi Running – Shuichi Hibino · 2 days ago
'Heavier but more stable': marginally firmer, more stable and shifted towards slow jogging. Propulsion is slightly reduced, and the extra weight makes moderate efforts feel less natural. It runs large and wide, so he went a half size down. Outsole durability looks unchanged from v1.
Blog · Marathon Handbook – Alex Cyr · 2 days ago
A workout shoe disguised as a recovery sneaker: Helion foam and a plate give more pop than an easy-run shoe, with tons of support and a long lifespan. At 10.4 oz it is heavy, and it is tall and wide.
Blog · YukiYamada – Yuki Yamada · 2 days ago
Surprisingly light at 204 g (26.5 cm) and the cheapest thick-soled racer at ¥23,000. He says the instability is actually a plus. The fit is only okay, with some heel slip unless tightly laced.
Blog · tomo.run · 2 days ago
Bought out of curiosity with low expectations, and pleasantly surprised: the rebound is excellent. He'll use it for 5–10 km races, but finds the cushioning a bit short for a half or full marathon.
Blog · Unattached Runner – Seiya Ishikawa · 2 days ago
A unique ride with high cushioning at a low price for a top model. It is still unstable (better than v1), and the rebound is only moderate.
Blog · Tom's Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · 2 days ago
The most radical racing shoe he has tested. Run with purpose and the Smooth Speed Assist rocker pushes you onto the midfoot. Grip is reliable even in the wet. Recommended, but not particularly stable.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein (DPT), Andrea Myers · 2 days ago
Rated B+/A-. A centred, forward-geared ride that feels slightly more stable than v1, though it isn't a stability shoe. It fits short, and there was some heel slippage.
Blog · The Size 15 Runner · 2 days ago
Through 80 miles, including seven double-digit marathon-training runs up to 14 mi, it is his favourite HOKA yet (he has run the Clifton 9, Skyward X and Speedgoat 6). It is plush and max-cushioned, but the 40 mm heel never feels that tall, and the ride flows smoothly.
Blog · Tom's Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · 2 days ago
A great cushioned daily trainer for a wide range of runners. It doesn't wow you at first but wins you over with regular use. He finds it more versatile and enjoyable than the Clifton 9. The upper is warm-ish but secure and rub-free.
Blog · RunToTheFinish – Amanda Brooks · 2 days ago
Rated 93%. A rare first model that hits it out of the park: a blend of the Clifton and Bondi, so one shoe covers daily and recovery runs. After 300 mi they expect a 400–500-mile lifespan.
Blog · The Running Club – Andrea Soffientini · 2 days ago
Scores 6.4. A clear step forward from v2 for neutral midfoot or forefoot strikers. It is ideal for structured marathon long runs and quality work, and less suited to slow runs or heel strikers.
Blog · RunToTheFinish – Stacey Gross · 2 days ago
'Divided minds': the ride is more firm than plush, and her feet got sore on runs over 6 mi. It really shines when you pick up the pace, and the high stack stays stable. It is heavy, the upper is stiff and the fit is snug.
Blog · WeeViews – Scott Hilton · 2 days ago
A big fan of the original (nearly 500 mi), he found this version clunky, rigid and hard on his harsh mechanics. He expects only average wear for $200 and plans to sell the pair.
Blog · Tom's Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · 2 days ago
Disappointed and confused. It is now quite heavy, doesn't feel great for faster runs, and lacks the pace of top plated trainers like the Endorphin Speed 5 and Mach X2. The bounce is muted, though the shoe is stable for such a high stack.
Blog · RunToTheFinish – Amanda Brooks, tester Lindsey · 2 days ago
A lightweight, firmer speed shoe with a roomy toe box and a well-balanced padded tongue. It is likely not for runs over 9–10 miles if you're used to a lot of cushion.
Blog · Doctors of Running – David Salas, Andrea Myers (DPTs) · 2 days ago
Rated B+/A-. An excellent lightweight performance trainer for warm-ups through fast paces, with good traction and a natural, ground-feel ride. One tester rates the fit A+. Another tester found the upper snug and low-volume, and it holds water in heat and humidity.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Robbe Reddinger, Kaleb Kabakjian · 2 days ago
Hype justified: a lightweight daily trainer that also works as a fast-day or short race-day shoe. It is more versatile than the Hyperion Max 2, which has only one speed.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Robbe Reddinger · 2 days ago
The upper is comfortable and secure, and the natural foot shape works well, but that comfort is betrayed by the midsole. It is not the soft, bouncy ride you'd expect from a 'max' shoe; it is too firm.
Blog · Meta Endurance – Alex, Tim · 2 days ago
'Long and easy but not more than that.' Stiff and heavy (310 g), but the balanced cushioning, rocker and foot shape made easy runs enjoyable. The pair ran short. Note: Altra sponsored a video on their YouTube channel; the article itself is not sponsored.
Blog · Runner's World – Amanda Furrer · 2 days ago
The wide toe box was extremely comfortable on runs over seven miles. Uphills felt cumbersome at first, then almost effortless. It proved durable, with excellent grip and good breathability, though it may be too wide for narrow feet.
Blog · T3 – Kieran Alger · 2 days ago
'Looks deceive.' Despite the big-stack styling, the ride is very firm, dense and rocker-driven rather than soft and bouncy. It feels heavy and clunky for a do-it-all trainer. The upper is comfortable, and fans of firm shoes like the Adistar may get on with it.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Brady Burman-Magday, Sam Edgin, Austin Bonds · 2 days ago
One tester calls it, with the Vanish Tempo, his favourite Altra road shoe. It is comfortable and smooth, and at 8.15 oz it is an easy recommendation for a wide-toe-box daily trainer.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Nathan Brown (DPT) · 2 days ago
A nimble, versatile 4 mm daily trainer with a soft but not too soft foam. He has no inherent design complaints. He would like a little more flex between midfoot and forefoot.
Blog · Canadian Running – Keeley Milne · 2 days ago
Became her go-to for everyday mileage. It is light and responsive, and the smooth rocker works for recovery jogs and progression runs. The EGO PWR foam adds gentle bounce, and the fit is classic Altra: roomy toes, locked heel.
Blog · Runner's World – Catherine Crowley · 2 days ago
A marathoner who usually runs in high-drop stability shoes. The wide toe box ended her usual post-run foot soreness, the foam felt soft and responsive on hills, and the upper stayed cool in summer heat. It became her go-to shoe.
Blog · WearTesters – Drew Whitcomb · 2 days ago
A solid, fun, all-round shoe: bounce plus stability, a comfortable sock-like upper that suits wide feet, and long-term durability. It is less plush than the best trainers, and breathability is limited.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Robbe Reddinger · 2 days ago
'A pleasant surprise': he kept reaching for it on 5–7-mile runs, and it is fun and comfortable. At $180, though, he would pick other trainers.
Blog · PR Nerd – Phil Parker · 2 days ago
'A real daily trainer, not just a comeback story.' Boost gives cushioned stability rather than bounce, and the Continental outsole is proving durable after 130 mi at 200 lb. He bought it on sale; the price is hard to beat. The cheap laces are his biggest complaint, and the upper stretched.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Larry Lam · 2 days ago
A good, stable, well-built daily trainer for beginner to intermediate runners. It isn't soft enough for a high-stack shoe, the toe box is tight, and $170 is more than it should cost.
Blog · RunToTheFinish – Amanda Brooks · 2 days ago
A max-cushioned daily trainer that doesn't veer into overly plush. It feels stable and durable for long runs and heavier runners. The thick padding makes it less breathable, and it lacks pop for picking up the pace.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein (DPT) · 2 days ago
Personal grade A-. It returns to what he loved about versions 20 and 21: lighter and more responsive, with a true superfoam feel and a secure fit. The toe box is slightly narrow, and after only 30 mi he is already wearing through the exposed foam.
Blog · The Running Club – Andrea Soffientini · 2 days ago
Scores 6.5. Generous but not excessive cushioning makes it a reliable shoe for slow and easy runs. It lacks reactivity once the pace picks up.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Jen · 2 days ago
A more cushioned, more stable take on the Endorphin line, with mild support as the foot rolls forward. It took a few runs to settle into the fit, especially at the toe, and it isn't cheap for a daily trainer.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein (DPT) + co-tester · 2 days ago
Rated B+/A-. A light, stable uptempo trainer with a smooth ride. The forefoot is snug, and wet traction is poor.
Blog · Runner's World UK – Luke Chamberlain · 2 days ago
Surprisingly lively for a stability shoe, with smooth support. At 315 g it runs warm, and the forefoot is narrower.
Blog · RunToTheFinish – Jeff Ruane · 2 days ago
A stability shoe that can go fast. It handled track, treadmill and 10–12-mile long runs, and they compare it with race-day options like the Hyperion 2 GTS and Kayano.
Blog · Le Comparatif du Trail – Julian · 2 days ago
Very good cushioning, comfort and grip on soft and loose ground over 160 km. Grip is weak on wet, compact rock, and breathability is limited.
Blog · Runner's World UK – Ali Ball, Rick Pearson · 2 days ago
Gives the confidence to tackle uneven terrain while staying comfortable over several miles. It is like a lovechild of the Speedcross and Ultra Glide 2. Nothing flashy, and at 290 g it isn't for short races.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Sam, Jeff V · 2 days ago
Comfortable, cushioned and grippy on soft ground. The front of the upper lacks hold on technical terrain, and traction on hard and wet surfaces is only average.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Michael Loutzenheiser, Matt Kucharski · 2 days ago
'A winning debut.' A really fun, fast shoe for nimble runners who want more grip and protection than the Sense Ride. The Energy Foam rides comfortably without instability, and the 5 mm lugs are super aggressive.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Olivia Yoder · 2 days ago
Confidence on pretty much any terrain: it is sturdy, grips anything, and is light enough to push the pace. The fit is stable and locked-in, and the shoe is durable enough to wear for hours. It runs a little warm.
Blog · The Trek – Anne K. Baker · 2 days ago
An exceptionally durable, highly cushioned ride that is particularly well suited to mud. Size carefully: she suggests ordering your size and a half size down. There is no rock plate, so it leans towards cushion over protection.
Blog · WearTesters – Drew Whitcomb, Arune Singh · 2 days ago
A comfortable, stable max-cushion trainer that suits heavier runners too. The improved outsole should last 300–500 miles.
Blog · OutdoorGearLab – Nathaniel Bailey · 2 days ago
Plush and protective for easy miles. It runs short: about 10 miles into a hilly run, feet slid forward and caused a toe hotspot. Consider sizing up.
Blog · Meta Endurance – Silke, Maxime Gourmelen · 2 days ago
'Massive!' the softest shoe she has ever run in. It is great up to about 15 km, but beyond that the weight and bulk made runs feel laborious.
Blog · Doctors of Running – David Salas (DPT) · 2 days ago
Rated B+/A-. A huge, stable, comfortable max-cushion cruiser for easy miles. The forefoot is low-volume, and it felt laborious and heavy on his 16-mile long run.
Blog · YukiYamada – Yuki Yamada · 2 days ago
Explosive but rough-edged: very propulsive at ~4:00/km, though wobbly at slower paces. It is heavier than expected and the heel is sharp.
Blog · Hiroichi blog · 2 days ago
A 50s runner: light and rolling, with little leg fatigue in training. In the hilly, windy marathon it was great to halfway. After 30 km the soft midsole lost stability and power, and he faded badly at 38 km. He felt some heel slip. He advises doing long runs in it before racing.
Blog · Tom's Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · 2 days ago
It can feel amazing at speed but is demanding and unstable. He wouldn't recommend it to most runners over more forgiving super shoes.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Brandon Law · 2 days ago
He didn't enjoy it. It felt unstable, and the sharp heel tab was hard on his Achilles. The grip is good, but he recommends other racers first.
Blog · Trail Sage · 2 days ago
'I wanted to like these, but they have not worked out for me.' Subtle changes from the original version hurt it on rock scrambles and rock gardens, and the author can't trust it there. It may suit runners who want less cushioning or who don't run on rocky ground.
Blog · OutdoorGearLab – Ally Arcuri · 2 days ago
Light, comfortable and grippy enough to recommend for mixed terrain and higher trail mileage. It crosses easily to pavement and has a plush-but-not-mushy feel.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Dom, Shannon, Jeff V · 2 days ago
A light, nimble, versatile trail shoe with good durability so far. It is harsh on pavement and its traction on wet rock is poor.
Blog · Cardiff Trails – Jack Davies · 2 days ago
Light and quick, and he wishes he'd bought it sooner. Forefoot grip is poor in wet Welsh conditions, so he saves it for dry days. He would buy it again.
Blog · Runnea UK – Raúl Lozano · 2 days ago
Scores 8.7. Built for consistency and protection over long distances, with plenty of cushioning and strong grip. Outsole durability is the main con after 125 km.
Blog · iRunFar – Annie Behrend · 2 days ago
'Big Blue' stayed impressively comfortable and protective. From mile 65 of a 100-miler it carried her over rocky Wagner Butte and a technical descent at night. The wide platform never felt tippy, and the Megagrip lugs are burly.
Blog · Hunting for Bliss – Paweł · 2 days ago
He calls it 'R.I.P. The series'. On technical Norwegian trail, the tall soft stack felt too unstable at speed, so he returned the shoes. Grip, cushioning and durability were good.
Blog · WearTesters – Sam Lohse, Drew Whitcomb · 2 days ago
It carried one tester through 61 miles of Leadville with protection and cushioning to spare, and it is wide-foot friendly. The tongue is a bit short.
Blog · Treeline Review – Becca Downs + male co-tester · 2 days ago
A comfortable, protective and grippy max-cushion trail shoe for long mountain days. They expect the midsole to give out first, at around 300 mi, and the shoe is pricey.
Blog · Runnea – Alazne Anton, Unatx · 2 days ago
Comfortable and protective over long distances, with a stable platform and good cushioning. It struggles in mud, on wet rock and on very technical ground, where grip and agility are limited.
Blog · WearTesters – Drew Whitcomb · 2 days ago
A plush, stable, durable max-cushion trail cruiser for long days. Its cons are that it is not nimble and is stiffer than some rivals.
Blog · iRunFar – Annie Behrend · 2 days ago
Remarkable stability and protective cushioning for long runs. The roomy neutral fit wasn't ideal for her narrow, pronating feet, but it is a strong pick for most ultra runners.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Sam Edgin, John Calabrese, Allison Mercer · 2 days ago
A comfortable, cushioned, stable long-distance trail shoe that testers call practically a steal. There is excess fabric in the toe box, and lockdown got harder once the upper stretched.
Blog · Mangeurdecailloux – Julien · 2 days ago
A very stable, cushioned all-rounder that feels like a trail SUV and is excellent on soft forest trails. It slips on wet, hard ground (rock and tarmac) and its weight hurts on faster efforts. The foot feels very guided. He suggests it for the Ecotrail 80 or SaintéLyon.
Blog · Référence Trail – Quentin André · 2 days ago
Rated 4.25/5. He recommends it without hesitation for 50 km+ ultras and 30–40-hour races on runnable paths. Cushioning, width and stability are excellent. Performance on technical ground and grip on greasy soil are limited, and the heel hold could be better.
Blog · Journal du Trail – Vincent Gaudin · 2 days ago
Rated 4.25/5. An excellent ultra shoe: big cushioning and comfort for 30–40-hour races, with good traction on mixed ground. It isn't dynamic, and the heel hold could be better. At 308 g it is heavy, so take care on technical and greasy terrain.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Taylor Bodin, Robbe Reddinger, John Calabrese · 2 days ago
A durable, cushioned workhorse that is more nimble than v6. One tester ran 33 mi out of the box with no blisters. Testers expect it to outlast version 6 but wanted more protection on sharp rocks.
Blog · iRunFar – Reese Ruland · 2 days ago
Stable, with great traction and a comfortable fit for long days. The ride felt flat and lacked oomph, so it didn't match her preferences. Still a top pick for runners who want comfort and stability over speed.
Blog · Ian Corless · 2 days ago
His 'shoe of 2021': light, comfortable and fast, with superb Continental grip on rock. It is less convincing in mud. The pair finally failed after 834 km and a Jotunheimen fastpack, which is a long life for a shoe this light.
Blog · Gearselected – charlesr · 2 days ago
A long-term favourite for ultras on runnable trail: light, cushioned and fast, and it got him through 50K and 50-mile races. An update at 550 mi showed the lugs worn down.
Blog · Blister – Gordon Gianniny · 2 days ago
A light, fast, well-cushioned ultra shoe that stayed comfortable through a 50-mile mountain race. The upper's durability is the weak point: an eyelet ripped at around 150 mi.
Blog · RunToTheFinish – Amanda Brooks · 2 days ago
95%. Still one of their go-tos despite lacking bells and whistles: a durable, really comfortable shoe that checks all their boxes, especially at its price.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Brandon Law · 2 days ago
A solid, versatile daily trainer with a better-fitting, quality upper, a smooth collar lining, excellent heel lockdown and a true-to-size, accommodating fit. Lighter than before. Not a big upgrade over the Ride 17, and there's no forefoot rocker.
Blog · Harlerunner – Thomas · 2 days ago
'Perfect all-rounder', 5/5: a safe bet for nearly every session, from an easy half-marathon long run to hill intervals. Good fit, weight and cushioning, and a bit more padding. Barely different from the Ride 17, so a cheap v17 is a fine alternative. Firmly in his rotation.
Blog · Daily Running Co. – Dean · 2 days ago
A stable, protective, comfortable workhorse: the upper is pristine, and the PWRRUN+ foam has moulded to his stride, with surprising rebound when picking up the pace. Not agile or nimble. The exposed midsole foam shows wear in the forefoot and lateral heel, which could shorten its life.
Blog · Run & Smile – Roman · 2 days ago
A modern do-it-all trainer: true to size, comfy fit, sticky grip even on wet roads and light trail, no visible wear at 100 km. Firm at first but softened. Best from easy to half/marathon pace; too firm for recovery and not for the track. Laces too stretchy.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein (DPT) · 2 days ago
B+ overall. With the Edge it forms a stiff/flexible pair that races equally well for different runners. Fine for shorter miles, but he'd like better upper integration and hoped for the Edge's slightly wider forefoot.
Blog · Journal du Trail – Vincent Gaudin · 2 days ago
4/5. A pleasant surprise despite the odd TPU heel piece: effective fit, a good hold despite the PEBA foam, lots of cushioning and a sense of rebound. For distances up to ~80 km. Strengths: comfort, cushioning, grip. Weaknesses: stability, high price.
Blog · Trail and Kale – Alastair Dixon · 2 days ago
Surprisingly comfortable: the gaiter-like collar keeps debris out, it's breathable, and it has a responsive edge. On steep descents the firm toe cap meant his big toe hit the bumper unless the fit was very tight. Less reliable on wet, slick rock.
Blog · iRunFar – Molly Schmelzle · 2 days ago
A softer, more compliant ride: rather than sinking in, the PWRRUN PB and SPEEDROLL geometry help save energy and roll you forward. Tested on rugged, rocky terrain across three states.
Blog · Conor's Bandon Blog – Conor O'Neill · 2 days ago
A possible do-anything trail shoe: very comfortable with a fantastic midsole, closer to his beloved Endorphin Speed than the 'Peregrine horror show', and the outsole is much grippier on stones. His big toe rubbed the bumper, and he suspects the lugs will wear fast on road.
Blog · The Running Club – Andrea Soffientini · 2 days ago
A balanced ride that prioritizes stability and control, with decent elastic response at push-off. The upper is heavily revised (7.5): engineered fabric replaces the more 'plasticky' feel of the past for a softer, more natural fit.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Courtney Kelly · 2 days ago
A very plush upper and pricing on par with competitors. The ride is firm, and it's heavier than rivals.
Blog · Doctors of Running – David Salas, Matt Klein (DPTs) · 2 days ago
A-/A-. One tester: a slightly firmer but responsive rockered ride that works for long, easy and uptempo runs, with a stable-neutral A for stability thanks to high sidewalls. Great, surprisingly breathable upper with no heel rubbing. Firmer than the stack suggests, and the tongue is thin.
Blog · RunToTheFinish – Tim Harrison · 2 days ago
87%. A big leap over the original: a max-stack shoe that keeps its form, so legs feel good with little energy lost to the foam. Decent bounce, a roomy but secure fit and a breathable upper. High stack and slightly firm, weak at tempo/threshold, lacks forefoot pop, pricey.
Blog · Runner's World UK – Ali Ball · 2 days ago
A fun, bouncy ride with premium cushioning, and the rocker aids transitions. It's an update on the v13, which some found too soft and unstable. The v14's shallower toe box may be why her toe bruised. Pricey for a beginner.
Blog · RunToTheFinish – Amanda Brooks · 2 days ago
96%. A shoe you'll grab over and over: max cushioned without feeling overly plush, so you don't sink in over many miles. Still great at 200+ miles. Versatile for running or walking, but for easy and recovery runs, not speed. Thicker mesh may run warm.
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 · Journal du Trail – Vincent Gaudin · 2 days ago
4.5/5. Nothing to be ashamed of against the competition: a race shoe as effective as any, and more stable than many. Strengths: weight, dynamism and comfort. Price is a bit high.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Thomas Neuberger and team · 2 days ago
A real contender: the team was surprised to agree that it was their current top race-day pick among shoes readily available (the original Alphafly is still their favorite). Underfoot feel and energy return put it at the top.
Blog · Coach – Nick Harris-Fry · 2 days ago
A great carbon shoe and the best racer Hoka has made. Any concerns are minor, but minor differences separate the top carbon shoes, so he'd reach for a few bouncier rivals (e.g. the Alphafly) first on race day.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Brandon Law · 2 days ago
Now worthy of its name: much faster, softer and more speed-assisting than v1, and Hoka finally has a proper super shoe. He would race a full marathon in it. Relatively stable and fairly durable. The forked plate gives less propulsion, and it's heavier and far pricier than v1.
Blog · RunningGearLab – Justin Evenden · 2 days ago
Fast and enjoyable race shoe. True to size, with a fitted toe box and a secure, race-focused midfoot. The heel collar was his main problem: it rubbed near his Achilles and became painful on the first long, fast workout. Do a short test run before a long one.
Blog · Hokkaido Delicam Run · 2 days ago
Ran 1:31:26 against a 1:35 goal: the soft cushion didn't fatigue his legs, and he picked up pace in the last 5 km. Good grip on damp, rainy roads, and the outsole was almost undamaged afterward. A great first carbon racer that rivals the Vaporfly and Adios Pro. Expensive at ¥35,200.
Blog · One Day's Light – Kattsun · 2 days ago
Felt good at Kanazawa: plush cushion and a rebound that lengthened his stride, like the original Vaporfly. He'll race Kobe in it. Some instability on sharp turns and U-turns, and it slipped on wet early-race roads, so beware wet white lines and manholes.
Blog · The Running Club – Andrea Soffientini · 2 days ago
Score 7.4. Like its predecessor, a convincing super shoe with solid performance at all distances. Mainly for light, neutral runners who can hold at least sub-3-hour marathon pace.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein (DPT) · 2 days ago
B+. A super distance racer for 10K to marathon with an incredibly bouncy, fast-rolling, highly rockered ride and a secure fit. The narrow heel/midfoot base and soft dual PEBA make it wobbly, so it's best for runners with stable ankles. Tapered toe box.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Meaghan Murray, Thomas Neuberger · 2 days ago
A sneaky favorite fast-day shoe for one tester's long Boston workouts. This time the tweaks paid off: a legitimate race-day weapon that no longer lives in the Rocket X's shadow.
Blog · Tom's Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · 2 days ago
Does its job of protecting the legs and is comfortable on easy runs and walks, and a big upgrade on v8. But it feels too limited for him: heavy, without much bounce, softness or energy return, and not versatile even among max-cushion shoes.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein, David Salas (DPTs) · 2 days ago
A premium neutral max trainer with plush but structured cushioning. The new heel frame makes a very wide, stable, secure landing, and the rocker still rolls you forward. Still heavy, and the heel may be too structured for some (a bit much for one tester's mechanics).
Blog · Switchback Travel – Rebecca Parsons · 2 days ago
Some of the highest cushion she's tested, for supreme comfort. A balance of plush comfort and practical performance for runners who put protection over pace. Though neutral, the wide heel and midfoot make it surprisingly stable.
Blog · The Running Club – Paolo Corsini · 2 days ago
Final score 8. Always Hoka's maxi model for slow and recovery runs, and v9 is much improved. Value score 7.5: at €180 it's €20 cheaper than its direct rivals, the Glycerin Max and its peers.
Blog · Podisti.net – Maurizio Lorenzini · 2 days ago
'A shoe for many feet': high comfort, and it adapted to his feet immediately. A max-cushion, stable shoe that should reach 500-600 km. He cautions that the midsole may lose much of its cushioning before the outsole looks worn.
Blog · Marius Bercea · 2 days ago
Plush, protective and trustworthy, and he never found it heavy (unlike the Bondi X). Feet stayed warm at 1°C and the mesh breathed as it warmed. No major wear at 100 km. For ultrarunners, long endurance and recovery runs; not for speedwork.
Blog · WeeViews – Evan Jensen · 2 days ago
A long-haul max-cushion workhorse: protective and comfortable for very long days, including a 51-mile ultra. It held up well across ~250 miles.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Brandon Law · 2 days ago
Fun, with an extreme forefoot rocker, but not the update he hoped for. Softer, faster and more aggressive, yet still too heavy for racing, so the speed assistance is cancelled out. Not comfortable for long runs due to the foam and plate setup: not enough bounce and harsh transitions. Good traction.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Meaghan Murray, Chad Zimmermann · 2 days ago
More enjoyable overall than its predecessor. One tester loved the look and the far more accommodating toebox and fit: v2 crammed his toes. The upper is comfortable, and the Continental Lighttraxion outsole and energy-rod/plate setup suit long workouts.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein (DPT) · 2 days ago
B+. An awesome long-run super trainer with a wider, comfortable fit and bouncy heel, and it gave decent guidance on long runs. Lace bite, a rough inner upper (socks required, ideally thick), and a less stable midfoot than v2, whose lateral bias tires you late.
Blog · Nao-Nao's Ameblo · 2 days ago
Effectively a Novablast 3 except for the upper, and cheaper. Happy just to be able to buy a Nova 3 again. She preferred the thinner Nova 3 tongue. Neither v5 nor the Novablast 5 is 'better'; it comes down to feel and use.
Blog · Run Hike – Toufu · 2 days ago
'A hall-of-fame shoe, thank you for bringing it back.' The sink-then-bounce midsole is well executed, it's inexpensive and he'd recommend it to everyone. Breathability is mediocre: the thick upper traps heat, so pair it with thin socks.
Blog · Unattached Runner – Seiya Ishikawa · 2 days ago
Essentially a Novablast 3 rerelease at a very low price: bouncy, quick-responding and high-spec for its price bracket, with a thicker OrthoLite insole. About 10 g heavier than the Nova 3 because of the new upper, though not enough to bother him.
Blog · Tom's Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · 2 days ago
A comfortable, naturally stable daily trainer, especially for new runners. It feels like a slightly different v9 rather than an upgrade, the foam isn't lively and there's little toe-off spring. He thinks the Skyflow is worth the extra $10.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein, David Salas (DPTs) · 2 days ago
B+/A- overall. One tester: a true trainer whose firm rockered ride is done well and eats up big miles, with great heel stability and a secure upper. The volume is a bit low (could be wider in the forefoot), and the price keeps climbing.
Blog · Runstreet – Marnie Kunz · 2 days ago
One of her favorite shoes for daily miles and long runs. The extra cushioning makes concrete miles comfortable, and it's versatile for easy, recovery, long and light-trail runs and races. Can feel bulky, and not the best for speed workouts.
Blog · iRunFar – Nathan Allen · 2 days ago
One of the best everyday shoes available, so don't be put off by the high stack. Technically max cushion, but it doesn't behave like one: far less clunky and more efficient and responsive than the Bondi or Skyward X.
Blog · Shuichi Running – Shuichi Hibino · 2 days ago
Explains why he chose it and covers comfort, propulsion and sizing in detail: a just-right fit at 27.5 cm (slightly larger than other brands' 27.5), with a comfortable, cushioned ride as a daily jogging shoe.
Blog · Kumazou's Running Bar · 2 days ago
Cushioning is still excellent and it is light for a thick-soled shoe, so long runs leave less fatigue. The higher offset adds slightly more propulsion than v9, but the effect is small. A good shoe for beginners and long easy runs.
Blog · Genkaran blog · 2 days ago
Long-term durability report: after ~900 km, including hard summer ultra training, it is still usable. Recommended for marathon-plus distances, 5:00/km-and-slower paces and jogging. True to size; choose the wide version for broad feet, or size up with an aftermarket insole.
Blog · Marathon Handbook – Alex Cyr · 2 days ago
Definitely not a world-beating super shoe, and not an easy-run shoe. The rocker propels you but forces you onto your toes, and it fits small (his toes were wrecked after a workout; size up). Too much shoe for him to race in, but a solid, aggressive workout tool.
Blog · RunToTheFinish – Jeff Ruane · 2 days ago
Comes alive when you pick up the pace: the rocker propels you forward and toe-offs feel effortless. The jacquard mesh dried within minutes after a snow-melt splash. The narrower heel and midfoot cost some of v1's stability, so it's not for wide feet, heavier runners or those with stability needs.
Blog · Runner's World – Jeff Dengate · 2 days ago
Faster, lighter and more propulsive than v1, with an exceptionally thin, breathable upper. A big rockered racer for workouts and marathons. Some testers found the soft foam too much late in long efforts.
Blog · Unattached Runner – Seiya Ishikawa · 3 days ago
Brooks' only lightweight daily model, with moderate cushioning, a nice bounce and the familiar Ghost fit, at the same price as the Ghost 18. Underwhelming as a tempo-up shoe.
Blog · Canadian Running – Hayden West · 3 days ago
Well done, Brooks: DNA HYPE foam plus the new rocker give a supportive, responsive and secure ride. Comfortable and capable on easy runs and faster efforts alike, it quickly earned a place in his regular rotation.
Blog · Tom's Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · 3 days ago
A good daily trainer and his pick of the Brooks lineup (he'd buy it over the Ghost 18) unless you want max cushion. In this competitive category, though, he'd buy the bouncier Novablast 6 or the lighter Deviate Pure Nitro first.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein (DPT) · 3 days ago
B+. The bouncier midsole holds up well across paces, it's durable and the fit is secure. Stiff initially and needs a break-in, fits short with a tapered toe box, firmer than expected, and the heel tab curves in.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Michael Ellenberger, Courtney Kelly, Jen Schmidt · 3 days ago
Scores 9.6/9.3/8.35. One tester: 'my kind of shoe', a big leap over traditional Brooks trainers. Easy runs are comfortable, steady runs natural, and it responds to strides. A potential workhorse. Several testers would prefer 8 mm over 6 mm drop, and it's not a dedicated long-run cruiser.
Blog · Run Lab – Rukku · 3 days ago
Recommended for runners who value a balance of shock absorption and stability, and for relaxed-pace long runs. But at the same price the FuelCell Rebel v5 beats it for both performance and lightness.
Blog · Unattached Runner – Seiya Ishikawa · 3 days ago
Much-improved cushioning that is soft but not too soft, with a strong heel hold. Specialized for gentle easy-pace running. Propulsion is restrained, it feels a bit heavy (the high collar transmits the weight when lifting the foot), and the price rose ¥2,200.
Blog · RunActu – Yoann · 3 days ago
Versatility regained: perfect for a runner who wants one pair, from 45-minute jogs to 90-minute runs with pace blocks, with dynamism that doesn't cost comfort. The outsole and upper still look new after 100 km. Slightly heavy for very short track intervals.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Matt Kolat · 3 days ago
Score 8.65. A comfortable, dependable daily trainer that feels lighter than its weight suggests. Still relatively heavy for its cushioning level, and completely neutral despite the broad platform, so not for runners with any stability needs.
Blog · RunToTheFinish – Stacey Gross · 3 days ago
A noticeable update: lighter and fresher, with a lighter, breathable Primeweave upper and room for her toes this time. The wide base adds stability, and the outsole doesn't look like it will wear down fast. It runs big (go half a size down), the laces are very short, and it can feel bulky.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein (DPT) · 3 days ago
A-. A pleasant surprise that 'rights the ship' of this shoe line: lighter, more stable and more durable than v2. Balanced cushioning and a stable neutral ride for consistent daily miles. Cons: short laces, very low forefoot volume and a slight posterior heel flare.
Blog · Doctors of Running – David Salas, Andrea Myers (DPTs) · 3 days ago
One tester gave it a C-. B+ overall. Another tester (B): with a slightly more flexible forefoot and more heel rounding it could reach the A range. One tester (C-) found the midfoot and forefoot design didn't work with her mechanics, making transitions extra work.
Blog · Running Culture – Jan Lau · 3 days ago
A successful update: more flexible and a bit more dynamic in the forefoot, with an airier upper, so it runs freer. PumaGrip is strong on changing surfaces and in the wet. The fit is less compact (size down for narrow feet), it lacks a final kick below ~4:00/km, and the upper gives less guidance.
Blog · Runner's World UK – Ali Ball, Rachel · 3 days ago
A fantastic upgrade on the v3 (whose propulsion disappointed one tester) and now in line with the Speed 5, Mach X 3 and Hyperion Max 3. Works for easy, long and speedier sessions, and could be a race shoe for ~4-hour marathoners. It feels different from v3 but remains enjoyable.
Blog · Canadian Running – Marley Dickinson · 3 days ago
A versatile, reliable cushioned super trainer that handles most training without compromise and has no glaring weaknesses. No blisters, hot spots or comfort issues. The arch rubbing he had in previous versions is gone.
Blog · Run Bulldog Run – Steve · 3 days ago
The dual-layer Nitrofoam gives a wonderfully lively ride with impressive energy return from the start. The upper holds the foot securely and is wearing well, and the construction is sensible and uncomplicated. Still enjoying the fit and feel after 200 miles, with the shoes holding up nicely.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Henry Howard · 3 days ago
Close to slippers: better midsole cushioning and a lighter breathable upper make it great for easy to moderate trail days and recovery runs. It doesn't match up on technical terrain or for speed, isn't very grippy, and the toe bumper could be sturdier. He expects 400-500 miles.
Blog · OutdoorGearLab – Matthew Richardson · 3 days ago
Lots of energy return from the FF Blast Plus Eco midsole, making it excellent for blending road and gravel paths. The high stack makes it suffer on technical terrain.
Blog · Marco Mignano · 3 days ago
A solid choice for many hours on trail: stable, protective and reliable for ultras, with no major wear after 200+ km. Above-average weight and limited reactivity make it a poor fit for fast work or short races, but ideal for 80-100 km+ events where you want fresh feet at the finish.
Blog · Doctors of Running – David Salas (DPT) · 3 days ago
A-/A overall, with an A personal grade: one of his favorite racing shoes so far this year, and one he hinted he might be writing about again later in the year.
Blog · WearTesters – Drew Whitcomb · 3 days ago
9.5/10, ASICS' best road racer yet and his go-to race-day shoe: featherweight, highly breathable, with grippy ASICSGRIP. The synthetic-suede tongue is uncomfortable and doesn't relieve lace pressure, and he feels it's less suited to forefoot strikers.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Brandon Law · 3 days ago
A brilliant update and now a top-tier racer he'd use for a marathon. Softer and more energetic, with a wider midfoot and a better upper. Far more stable than the Fast-R 3, Adios Pro 4 and Sky Tokyo. The ungusseted tongue folds, the price jumped, and it's still narrow for flat arches.
Blog · RuncerLAB – AZ · 3 days ago
Trampoline-like rebound and propulsion beyond the Adios Pro 4, and LT pace feels easier. Ideal for a half or 10K. For the full marathon he picks the Pro 4, as the rebound may tire sub-3 hopefuls after 30 km. Breathable mesh gets cold in winter.
Blog · Mahiro Running Blog · 3 days ago
Rebound and propulsion still as expected at 480 km. Durability, which he hadn't expected, was a pleasant surprise. His stride reached 1.23 m at the Hokkaido Marathon (target 1.16). Some upper and midsole peeling. Still his main race shoe for Tokyo 2027.
Blog · RunToTheFinish – Amanda Brooks · 3 days ago
'Cushion with grip.' A more breathable upper and lugs with even more traction than v5. Keep it off roads to save the lugs. Roomy FootShape toe box, but not a wide shoe overall.
Blog · iRunFar – Craig Randall · 3 days ago
A max-cushion, max-comfort, max-mileage shoe for trail runners and hikers, and somehow the most fun Altra he's tested in years. A very cushy entry into a slower phase of his running.
Blog · Treeline Review – Liz Thomas · 3 days ago
Long-term tested: comfortable and durable. After 100 running miles they looked nearly new, and cushioning held near 500 miles of rough off-trail canyon use. Unlike earlier versions, the heel cup holds without slipping. The Timp is cozier and lighter.
Blog · GearJunkie – David Young · 3 days ago
8.1/10. Better traction, more cushion and a sturdier no-sew ripstop upper. Durability looks promising after harsh winter use. Grip gave out on wet hardpack snow and ice (crampons needed), the heel guard caused irritation with low socks, and support is modest. Tested mostly hiking.
Blog · Switchback Travel – Maggie Slepian · 3 days ago
A comfortable, light zero-drop shoe for long distances, with a toe box that suits bunions and hard-to-fit feet and a tougher ripstop upper that still breathes. Reasonably priced. The wide fit feels wobbly and unsupportive on technical or off-camber terrain, and the midsole feels somewhat dead for running.
Blog · Journal du Trail – Vincent Gaudin · 3 days ago
4.5/5. More flexible and dynamic than v14, with a slightly roomier fit, near-perfect hold and good stability. Grip on cobbles is better but not there yet. A light, balanced shoe for 40-60 km races. Possible heel rubbing.
Blog · The Runner's Basecamp – Cody Jett · 3 days ago
Shines on technical, rugged trails under ~15 miles: nimble, responsive and dependably protective without being plush. The non-Vibram PWRTRAC rubber 'holds its own'. Not a max-cushion ultra cruiser. He wonders what took him so long to try it.
Blog · iRunFar – Travis Liles · 3 days ago
A versatile trail shoe that handles road sections of long races too. The PWRRUN+ sockliner adds comfort and spring and doesn't pit out. After 100+ miles in wet, gross conditions there are no mesh tears.
Blog · The Running Club – Paolo Corsini · 3 days ago
Score 7.3. Not built for speed: a shoe for high mileage, offering comfort, stability and protection to overpronators and neutral runners alike. Stability comes from balanced foams, not an invasive post. Big, but lighter than before so not cumbersome. Minimal wear at 150 km.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein, Bach Pham · 3 days ago
B+/B. One tester: better than the last version but a bit too soft for him unless running faster. Another tester: not a bad shoe, just not a standout in an increasingly similar market. Durability about average, with early heel wear.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Brandon Law · 3 days ago
One of the best stability trainers he's tested: it doesn't feel stiff or blocky, has no poking arch, and a thick PEBA layer makes it lively. It suits neutral runners too. Still too heavy for uptempo runs, and the normal width is extremely narrow.
Blog · Thich Chay Bo – Hieu · 3 days ago
9.5/10, a 'must-buy' 187 g PEBA super trainer: responsive, smooth and rhythmic, and firmer than the TG 2.0, so his calves no longer fatigue past 20 km. A 'long-run monster'. Very narrow midfoot: the sidewalls pressed into his arches, and there's no runner's-knot eyelet.
Blog · Runner's World UK – Ali Ball · 3 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 · 3 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 · 3 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 · Esco a Correre – Simone · 3 days ago
It surprises again: the perfect single shoe for runners up to the half marathon, at its best for easy 8-10 km runs, with a responsive midsole for some pickups. He wouldn't use it for marathon long runs, especially if you weigh over 75 kg.
Blog · The Running Club – Paolo Corsini · 3 days ago
Score 7. Very 'democratic': no extreme strengths or obvious flaws. It suits newer runners who need one trainer for slow runs through workouts. The new ReactX doesn't change the familiar feel. Wear after 150 km only at his usual spots, with 600-700 km expected for runners up to ~75 kg.
Blog · Shishiga Blog · 3 days ago
A versatile jogging shoe that also handles race pace in build-up runs. Light-feeling despite its weight, breathable, with a durable-looking outsole. Replacing his 900 km Ghost 15, he was very satisfied and recommends it to anyone stuck choosing a jog shoe.
Blog · Negibozu's running diary · 3 days ago
His main training shoe: ReactX cushion and rebound make running fun, and at nearly 400 km it is still going strong with only some sole wear. The downside: runners who dislike soft, squishy modern foam should try it first.
Blog · Papiran · 3 days ago
His 'partner' for a sub-4: jogs, 5:40/km pace runs, 20 km runs and a 3-hour LSD, ending in a 3:57 at the Kumamoto Castle Marathon. Soft but propulsive and stable when legs tire. Light enough for the first 100 km of use, but he raced in the EVO SL.
Blog · RunToTheFinish – Amanda Brooks · 3 days ago
A classic that holds steady: still feels good after 300 miles thanks to its durable build, and is a reliable daily trainer if you liked the 40. Few changes, so don't expect the older feel of the line. Narrow like most Nikes, with no wide option noted.
Blog · Unattached Runner – Seiya Ishikawa · 3 days ago
Overwhelming cushion and a fun bounce, best between marathon pace and half pace, where running felt light and easy. A bit heavy (265 g) for fast running, and the upper is stiff and roomy. Good for long runs, LT runs, jogs and sub-3 to sub-4 marathons.
Blog · Run Lab – Rukku · 3 days ago
41/50. A well-balanced trainer: soft, bouncy upper foam, an excellent knit fit and good grip. But the deliberately firm lower layer makes it less fun to run in, and it lacks a standout trait. He prefers the softer SC Trainer v3.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein, Andrea Myers (DPTs) · 3 days ago
One tester gave it a C. Another tester (A-) really enjoyed it for easy runs and tired-leg days. One tester (C) found the heel far too soft: the forefoot guidance is great, but it can't offset the mushy heel. Within 100 miles the midsole settled down and compressed.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Brandon Law · 3 days ago
The softest, bounciest and most fun super trainer he's tested, and his legs recovered well after 40 km. Very little wear at 130 km. Its big weakness is instability: he slows for corners and uneven ground, and the upper feels sloppy. $20 more than v1.
Blog · Run, Fit & Fun – Frédéric Brossard · 3 days ago
Rare durability: at 800 km the outsole looks the same as at 400 km and still grips in the wet, and the cushioning and forefoot propulsion are intact, with no holes in the mesh. The upper loosened (a wash fixed it). From ~700 km the heel started sagging inward, which is sometimes bothersome.
Blog · RunToTheFinish – Laura Swenson · 3 days ago
'Great shoe, terrible fit.' Light, stable and grippy, with good protection, but she couldn't get a locked-in fit. Her heels rubbed 5 miles into a run, and she got a blister on her second run. A thinner tongue than before, and stiff on pavement.
Blog · Dan Smith · 3 days ago
One of 2025's best ultra-distance trail shoes: consistent comfort and stability for hours, excellent Megagrip, and a Kevlar-reinforced upper that should last. Not bouncy, and he got heel slippage on descents that needed a lace lock.
Blog · The Travel Runner – Kyle Cash · 3 days ago
Vibram Megagrip performed on every surface, and the platform held him steady on the rocky Beluga 30K descents. Not a max-cushion fan, he's still more cautious in it on technical terrain. Zero drop needs easing into to avoid Achilles soreness. Verdict: 'Test It'.
Blog · iRunFar – Nick DiMarco · 3 days ago
A dependable max-cushion zero-drop trail shoe: outstanding grip in wet and mud, a secure, durable Matryx upper and surprising stability for 33 mm. No upper or lug wear after 100+ miles. Zero drop left his calves sore after long runs early on, so transition slowly.
Blog · Runner's World UK – Alice Barraclough · 3 days ago
Seriously comfy and stylish, with a sock-like Primeknit fit and solid lockdown, and 30% lighter than v22. Still relatively heavy, so they found it best for easy, relaxed runs rather than anything fast.
Blog · Irontwit – John Sutton · 3 days ago
His 'strong and stable' main shoe. Despite past Achilles issues he had no injuries in the 10 mm drop. The upper hasn't sagged, the midsole is still springy at 800 miles, and the Continental outsole grips on gravel towpaths. Heel wear only. The knit upper runs warm.
Blog · The Running Club – Paolo Corsini · 3 days ago
Score 7.45. A true super racer and the missing piece in On's range. The thick insole/midsole gives high forefoot protection without losing reactivity. It suits a push-off, forefoot style and needs good running mechanics. The thin outsole rubber will likely wear first.
Blog · Doctors of Running – David Salas, Nathan Chiang, Andrea Myers · 3 days ago
A-/B+/A-. On's bounciest super shoe. One tester nearly made it his racer of the year except for the heel. Another tester loved it for a 10K but not longer. A third tester gave it an A for the bouncy, propulsive ride she'd missed since the Alphafly 1.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Brandon Law · 3 days ago
Much better than the Echo 3: deeper cushion, more energy return and a fun, engaging ride. It suits forefoot strikers; for him, a heel striker, it lacked a forefoot rocker and wasn't efficient enough for a marathon. Runs half a size big, poor wet grip, overpriced at $280.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Thomas Neuberger · 3 days ago
On's best race shoe yet: light (<8 oz), with Helion HF cushion right under the forefoot and grippy rubber. Sizing ran long by up to a full size, and the stiff heel collar dug into one tester's Achilles, leaving it unrunnable two days later. Wear crew socks. A Vaporfly 3 costs $100 less.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Joost de Raeymaeker · 3 days ago
Soft, light and surprisingly versatile. It handled easy jogs, hill repeats and pickups, the upper breathed in midday heat, and long runs left him fresh. Scores 9-9.5 across ride, fit, durability and value. A plateless shoe that earns a permanent rotation spot.
Blog · The Running Club – Matteo Rocca · 3 days ago
Score 7.2. Light, comfortable and fluid for moderate paces (4:30-5:30/km) and long runs, but softer than v4. Stability drops below ~4:15/km and in quick turns. Best for runners under 80 kg. Normal wear at 150 km, estimated 500-600 km life.
Blog · Runnea UK – Gorka Cabañas · 3 days ago
9.5/10. The most complete Rebel yet: comfortable at 5:15/km, livelier at 4:30 and still keeping up at 3:45. Below 3:30/km you feel the lack of a plate. Very light, fun and suits more runners than ever. Not the fastest or most durable.
Blog · RunToTheFinish – Tim Harrison · 3 days ago
Light, versatile and fun, with more cushion than v4. The bounce lasted to nearly 80 miles (v4 faded at about half that). The midsole is heavily creased, but the outsole is bulletproof and wet grip is fine. Probably not a 500-mile shoe, but still good value.
Blog · The Running Club – Dario Marchini · 3 days ago
Score 7-. One of 2024's breakout daily trainers: very fun and cheerful, it adapts to recovery jogs, free-flowing runs, fartleks and reps like a Rebel v4. Light for its size. The heel area already showed clear wear after 150 km.
Blog · WearTesters – Drew Whitcomb, Annie Keris · 3 days ago
Another tester would only recommend it to shoe nerds: promising tech (knit tongue, foam outsole, rocker, PEBA blend) that doesn't come together. One tester liked its bouncy protection on long moderate runs, but faster efforts bottomed out the soft forefoot. The foam outsole may reach ~300 mi.
Blog · Tom's Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · 3 days ago
A bouncy, versatile daily trainer that is terrific fun, from very easy runs to 1K reps. It made a dawn hilly 10-miler easy to face. The exposed foam outsole showed no undue wear after 50 miles, but avoid gravel. The high price and strong rivals are the catch.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein (DPT) · 3 days ago
Co-testers had foot and knee pain (C and C-). B+ from one tester: a bouncy, highly rockered PEBA/EVA trainer for easy, long and recovery runs. The big heel bevel worked for him, but it isn't the most stable and the foam doesn't respond fast enough for quick efforts. Outsole should last slightly above average.
Blog · The Running Club – Paolo Corsini · 3 days ago
A daily trainer 'with an extra gear'. For runners under ~70 kg the firmer midsole adds responsiveness; for heavier runners Fresh Foam X is a nice balance of softness and pop.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein (DPT) · 3 days ago
B+/A- (personal A-): despite a stiffer heel counter and slightly tapered toe box, the ride and fit have been excellent for mileage and all-day wear.
Blog · Doctors of Running – David Salas (DPT) · 3 days ago
A-: one of his favorite daily trainers this year. He wishes the heel had a touch more rounding.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Robbe Reddinger · 3 days ago
Brooks is quietly putting out impressive shoes, and v22 'has it all' for a premium daily trainer.
Blog · WearTesters – Drew Whitcomb, Annie Keris · 3 days ago
A favorite traditional Brooks daily trainer again: reliable, accommodating and plush, and the forefoot bounce outweighs slightly lower outsole durability (400+ mi unlikely). One tester wishes for a lower drop.
Blog · The Size 15 Runner · 3 days ago
A longtime fan of the line says the new DNA Tuned foam starts a new era for a solid but never-exciting shoe. It has a modern, much better-looking design and an upper more comfortable than the Max's.
Blog · Tom’s Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · 3 days ago
As dependably good as you'd expect, a comfortable daily trainer, but not a big upgrade on the 21 and still a bit short on speed. Grab a discounted v21 if you see one.
Blog · Women’s Running – Rachel Ifans · 3 days ago
Traction was great in mud and the sole feels good over knobbly stones; a trail workhorse for most speeds. The much wider toe box means her foot didn't slop around but didn't feel hugged either. 'The lack of hug may disappoint.'
Blog · OutdoorGearLab – Matthew Richardson · 3 days ago
A strong option for moderate trails, packed singletrack and road-to-trail: stable, responsive and well supported under the arch, with a firm, planted feel. Weaker on technical mountain terrain, off-camber ground, mud and wet rock.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Nils Scharff, Marcel Krebs · 3 days ago
9.13 and 9.10 with fit scored 10: a balanced, stable platform that gives confidence and control on technical trails and late in long runs, even as form slips. Not the softest; minimalist fans won't find what they want.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein (DPT) · 3 days ago
B+ overall (personal B/B+): a comfortable ride for running and walking, but a little too soft for him to use extensively.
Blog · WearTesters – Drew Whitcomb · 3 days ago
A big fan of the line who 'just didn't' love it: not enough value or fun factor at $170, and it has lost some of the allure. A long-run shoe for narrow feet that he wishes were more versatile.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Thomas Neuberger, Meaghan Murray, Ryan Haines · 3 days ago
'A big fan', it could have been the next Nimbus. Softer and more comfortable than the Deviate Nitro 3, a great pick for long, easy miles; the Puma suits quicker paces.
Blog · runomatic · 3 days ago
Never was a trail-shoe verdict easier: 'the classic all-rounder' that does everything really well, not just 'so-so'. Minor deductions for weight and a drop he'd like at 6 mm. 'Absolute recommendation!'
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Katherine Takai · 3 days ago
'A sleeper in the trail shoe world' that impressed her. She'll keep lacing it up for everyday running and hiking, but would pick a faster shoe for races and speedwork. Little wear after 50 miles.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Nathan Brown (DPT) · 3 days ago
A- overall (personal A): 'My go-to trail option right now.'
Blog · Believe in the Run – Matt Kucharski, Melissa Guillen · 3 days ago
A chameleon of a trail shoe: adaptable on varied surfaces and a solid long-distance option with ample protection. Good for a long run or a dry, less technical 50-miler. Not for wet conditions.
Blog · Doctors of Running – David Salas (DPT) · 3 days ago
B+/A- (personal A-): it works well for his mechanics, and he enjoys logging easy miles in it. A little slapping, but manageable.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Meaghan Murray, Thomas Neuberger · 3 days ago
A really nice surprise: comfortable and responsive for daily training, recovery and long runs. Nitro foam and PumaGrip promise plenty of mileage; no wear after 50 miles.
Blog · Coach – Nick Harris-Fry · 3 days ago
Nothing novel, yet an excellent max-cushioned shoe, comfortable for easy and long runs, with a great outsole. More versatile and a bit cheaper than most rivals. Not the best for faster runs.
Blog · Runner’s World · 3 days ago
Testers say Puma 'got the foam right'. One wanted to put them on every time she left the house: a perfect fit with a cupped, stable heel on hard turns. The toe box runs long, leaving toes 'on the loose'.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein, David Salas, Bach (DPTs) · 3 days ago
One tester loved it. One tester (C) won't keep running in it: the fit, ride and stability don't work for him. Another tester (C+): slappy transitions and a low-volume midfoot make it a no-go. A third tester (A-) enjoyed it and keeps it for everyday training.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Jeff Beck, Sam Winebaum · 3 days ago
Scores 9.46 (one tester) and 9.75 (another tester): an upper beyond reproach for comfort and hold, and fantastic durability that makes the $150 'feel like a steal'.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Thomas Neuberger, Meaghan Murray · 3 days ago
'Puma did it!' A legit light stability/guidance trainer on par with the Tempus, Kayano and Arahi. Even neutral one tester enjoyed his miles; pronators have a new option.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Kristin Lassen · 3 days ago
One of her favorite daily trainers: efficient yet comfortable, with a gusseted tongue, a guidance system molded around the heel, dual-density Nitro foam and grippy protective rubber.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Meaghan Murray, Thomas Neuberger · 3 days ago
'A real surprise': like a trimmed-down SC Trainer, quality at a low price that one tester recommends to beginners and seasoned marathoners alike.
Blog · OutdoorGearLab – Nathaniel Bailey · 3 days ago
A well-cushioned budget trainer that's great at easy-to-moderate paces, and an inexpensive way to try a plated shoe. Not the best shoe in their test, but a great partner for specific users.
Blog · Runner’s World · 3 days ago
Cushioning that isn't too soft or slow; testers could still crank out fast miles, and generous rubber has impressed on durability. The forefoot felt thin past 12 miles for one tester. Not a first choice for speedwork.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein (DPT) · 3 days ago
B+: he loves everything except the heel counter, which really bothered him. He pushed through to fully experience the shoe, but it may limit his use.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Taylor Bodin · 3 days ago
'Finally!' Brooks's first true high-performing long-distance option, eclipsing all their previous race-day shoes and complementing the rest of the line.
Blog · Better Trail – Alex King · 3 days ago
Thoughtfully built and durable enough for regular training and racing. The upper fabric is among the most durable he knows, and it beats the Cloudultra Pro on durability. His only concern is the shallow 3.5 mm lugs in sticky rubber.
Blog · iRunFar – Nick DiMarco · 3 days ago
A significant leap for Brooks: lighter and more responsive, a true trail race shoe he'd buy for race day without hesitation. Excels on dry, moderately technical courses. No premature compression after 150+ miles.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein (DPT) · 3 days ago
A-: a great walking shoe and the rare premium trainer he can pick up the pace in. He wishes the forefoot were a bit more comfortable.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Robbe Reddinger, Meaghan Murray, Thomas Neuberger · 3 days ago
'Same, but the same' (one tester 6/15): every rival is 'better and cheaper'. It isn't an update worth getting excited about, so buy v25 or v26 on sale. A third tester: too close to the Kayano and blocky; reliable but won't make runs exciting.
Blog · WearTesters – Drew Whitcomb · 3 days ago
7.5/10: a well-cushioned, super comfortable shoe that can absorb hundreds of easy miles, a luxurious choice for recovery runs and jogs. Not for speed days.
Blog · Tom’s Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · 3 days ago
One of the best max-cushioned cruisers, alongside the Hurricane 24: a balanced, reliable option you won't be disappointed in, though it's not likely to wow you.
Blog · Supwell – Meredith Johnston · 3 days ago
Ultra-comfortable, plush max-cushion daily trainer with surprising pace versatility after 200 miles; outsole and foam holding up well.
Blog · Doctors of Running – David Salas (DPT) · 3 days ago
A- overall. He usually prefers firmer shoes but 'still really liked it'.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Chad Zimmermann, Caryn Just · 3 days ago
One tester: a fantastic update that makes easy and recovery runs more enjoyable, and highly recommended. Another tester finds it fun but strictly neutral, best for pure recovery days of 4-5 miles; stability seekers should beware.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Sam Winebaum, Jeff Valliere, Jacob Brady · 3 days ago
Scores up to 9.5 (one tester) and 9.67 (another tester): a high-performance do-it-all trail runner and racer with great traction that one tester would use for all-day outings and longer races. Durable so far.
Blog · Meta Endurance · 3 days ago
Basically everything a trail runner needs: light, responsive, comfortable and secure, with a durable Matryx upper and resilient outsole. Recommended for all trail types from 50K to ultras. He'd like a bit more bounce, and the price is a sticking point.
Blog · Men’s Fitness – Steve McGlynn, Ian Sutherland · 3 days ago
A dependable all-round trail shoe for long, easy mixed-terrain runs: stable, comfortable, durable, with great ground feel. Its 4.5 mm lugs struggle in thick mud, protection is questionable on sharp rock, and it's not a PB shoe.
Blog · RunToTheFinish – Coral Eby · 3 days ago
Somehow both substantial and light: sturdy and durable-feeling yet bouncy, and not clunky at speed. Most fun on easy urban-trail and city-park runs. It runs big, so check EU vs US sizing; the heel collar was stiff at first.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Reed Breuer, Renee Krusemark, Mike Postaski, Sam Winebaum · 3 days ago
Scores 8.6-9.13: clearly a 'road' shoe with light-trail ability, a fine choice for smooth dirt, park runs and rail trails, and an easy grab for regular routes. Deductions for underfoot softness and instability. Shallow lugs aren't for real trail.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein (DPT) · 3 days ago
B+/A-: he loves the upper, but the midfoot isn't stable enough for him to get the most out of the shoe. Durability is fair over 35 miles.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Meaghan Murray, Thomas Neuberger, Caryn Just · 3 days ago
One tester kept lacing it up day after day: a max-cushion trainer that looks and feels great, and it stays in her rotation. A winner with a fun, forgiving ride.
Blog · Treeline Review – Becca Downs · 3 days ago
After a year of testing they call it the best road shoe you can get right now: balanced max cushion with a responsive midsole, comfortable and versatile from daily runs and workouts to long runs and light trails. Pricey at $180.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Brandon Law · 3 days ago
A polished first-gen trainer: if he could pick only one On training shoe, it'd be this. It blocks ground feel completely and his legs recover faster. More cushion than the Cloudsurfer.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Andrea Myers (DPT) · 3 days ago
B overall: she likes the midsole feel, but the laterally biased midfoot was 'a dealbreaker' and the discomfort kept her runs to 4 miles or less. Almost no outsole wear at 25 mi.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Robbe Reddinger, Meaghan Murray, Chad Zimmermann · 3 days ago
Preferred over the 'squirrelly' v1: a tamer shoe for the masses with a much-improved upper, a fantastic fit and a ride that is still exciting and fun. v1 fans may see it as a step back, and the price went up from $150.
Blog · Runner’s World – Cat Bowen · 3 days ago
More stable and less wild than v1: built for base mileage, long runs and recovery days with some life underfoot. It runs slightly long, and wide feet will feel crowded in the midfoot and toe box. The Evo SL and Ride 19 are better for pace.
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 · Believe in the Run – Thomas Neuberger, Meaghan Murray · 3 days ago
A solid race-day shoe for anyone chasing a marathon goal, not just elites, favoring heel strikers. Grips well and looks solid at 40 mi. One tester prefers the Cielo X1 2.0 but would race it without hesitation, and plans to at the JFK 50.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein, Andrea Myers (DPTs) · 3 days ago
One tester (A-) has made it his go-to for fast and fast-long efforts, though durability is already in question at 30 mi. Another tester (C-) got posterior tibialis and ankle pain from the medial stability features and won't run in it again.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Brandon Law · 3 days ago
'A disappointing update' that he won't use for an important race. It's mellower, softer and plusher than the X 2, more stable and friendly, but better suited to slower runners. He'd take the X 2.
Blog · Runner’s World UK – Ben Hobson · 3 days ago
Possibly 2026's best running shoe so far: comfy, capable and robust so far on pretty much all surfaces for £140, and a great first trail shoe.
Blog · Doctors of Running – David Salas (DPT) · 3 days ago
A-: 'a huge fan'. A well-done heel bevel kickstarts the rocker almost seamlessly, and it feels good at easy and rhythmic paces with a reserve for going fast. He'd train in it and maybe race. The midfoot could be cleaner.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Markus Zinkl · 3 days ago
8.6/10: a responsive, fluid, plain fun trail experience, with Lightstrike Pro and a rocker that make gently rolling terrain smooth. Fit scored lower (7.5) and suits narrow feet.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Taylor Bodin · 3 days ago
Bold claim: adidas's best trail shoe to date, mixing fun-factor tech with a confidence-inducing design. A top contender for the one-shoe, all-mountain category, with a few easy improvement points.
Blog · T3 – Matt Kollat · 3 days ago
'Almost unmissable' for long-distance runners who like to push limits. The new tongue reduces chafing and the extra foam helps you go further. Not race-legal, so hard to recommend to everyone. Long-term durability is untested.
Blog · Running.Reviews – Dan Steptoe-Thompson · 3 days ago
Exceptional cushioning and stability for long runs and marathon-pace efforts, with an effective rocker, and durable so far. Its increased weight is a drawback, and wet grip was worse than expected.
Blog · Tom’s Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · 3 days ago
Not a shoe he'd buy himself: better options cost the same or less, like the Magnify Nitro 3 or Velocity Nitro 4, and the Vomero Plus and Kipride Max have springier rides.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Chad Zimmermann, Meaghan Murray, Karl Fernandez · 3 days ago
A few minor but significant improvements 'really make this cat purr'. Puma has been hitting it out of the park, and fans of v1 will most likely enjoy v2.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Andrea Myers (DPT) · 3 days ago
A- overall (personal A): one of her favorite max trainers of 2026, nearly 1 oz lighter than v1 and bouncy, a stable neutral for easy and uptempo miles. Good wet traction. The midfoot is noticeably narrower than v1.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Neïlo Perrin-Ganier · 3 days ago
9.5/10 'Super Fun': exceptional stability and excellent grip in all weather; no shoe has given him more confidence on descents. Comfortable, with a roomy toe box. Among the heaviest trail shoes, and the laces must be cinched very tight.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Taylor Bodin · 3 days ago
'The best version yet… by lightyears'. The improved fit makes the biggest difference, even with some added weight, and the ride is versatile, comfortable, confident and fun for going the distance. Wear taller socks with the bootie.
Blog · Runner’s World · 3 days ago
A dependable, comfortable, breathable trail shoe with grippy, durable Vibram that she trusts on greasy descents, plus a cupped, secure fit. A touch heavier, but she barely noticed. A split in the heel lug pattern is felt on steep downhills.
Blog · Live For The Outdoors – Lily Canter · 3 days ago
Excellent cushioning and a smooth, stable ride that ultra runners will appreciate. But the upper lets it down: significant heel slippage and poor midfoot lockdown, especially for women. Mud clogs the lugs. Try before buying.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Taylor Bodin, Matt Kucharski · 3 days ago
One tester: an 'uber efficient' ride that is easy to cruise in, best on terrain where you don't have to plot every step. For the other tester the stretchy bootie upper let the heel dance, causing Achilles blisters and shaky confidence on steep climbs and descents.
Blog · Runner’s World UK – Rachel Boswell · 3 days ago
Light, quick and buoyant yet stable on rocky mountain paths, with good impact damping. The gaiter collar and durable upper kept her feet dry and debris-free. One for your list if you have a trail race or running holiday coming up.
Blog · OutdoorGearLab – Matthew Richardson · 3 days ago
Their favorite carbon trail shoe and the most sure-footed on technical terrain, with more pop than v2 and no loss of stability. Better on full strides than in rock gardens. Can feel overbearing when you aren't running engaged; overkill for beginners.
Blog · GearJunkie – Constance Mahoney · 3 days ago
8.4/10 and one of the best trail racers she's tested: fast, stable and protective, with far less quad soreness after big descents. Narrow midfoot, a warm collar and $275. Her husband burned through a pair fast as a daily trainer, so save it for races.
Blog · iRunFar – Alli Miles · 3 days ago
Her go-to for workouts and long runs: light, responsive and cushioned on almost any surface, and a viable 100-miler shoe. The knit collar shows some wear at 300 mi. The high stack, the price and the ankle gaiter may put some off.
Blog · WearTesters – Drew Whitcomb · 3 days ago
A poofy, soft, bouncy 'marshmallow' focused on maximum cushion above everything else. Anyone who thinks 'the softer, the better' should buy it: the Hoka ethos taken to the extreme.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein, David Salas, Andrea Myers (DPTs) · 3 days ago
B+ to A-: a great super trainer for easy days and big cushion with some bounce, mostly limited to easier and longer efforts. One tester saw a decent amount of outsole wear by 35 mi and expects only average durability.
Blog · Men’s Fitness – Mike Sawh · 3 days ago
A hulking but comfortable shoe that shines at easy-to-moderate paces, smooth and stable, with a surprisingly snappy feel and an accommodating fit. Minimal outsole wear after 50+ miles. Not for all-out speed, heavier than rivals and not cheap.
Blog · Tom’s Guide – Jessica Downey, Nick Harris-Fry · 3 days ago
Exceptional cushioning, stability and smooth transitions for long easy runs and recovery days. It protects the legs on downhills and makes easy paces feel quick. Heavy and huge, so not for tempo or race day, and pricey.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein, David Salas (DPTs) · 3 days ago
B+/A- from both. A fast racer, but one tester prefers the Edge Paris for his mechanics, and another tester says he has to overstride a bit to make it work, though it's nice at controlled efforts. Fit depends heavily on stride type.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Thomas Neuberger, Meaghan Murray, Chad Zimmermann · 3 days ago
One tester sees it as Hoka 'coming back swinging', a modern take on the brand's original vision that he could take 'stupid distances' in. Plenty of bounce. They expect the outsole to last well past 300-500 miles.
Blog · OutdoorGearLab – Nathaniel Bailey · 3 days ago
Where a super-shoe search should start and likely end: fast, comfortable and versatile, with a smooth, natural rocker. Traction is weak on wet corners and loose surfaces, there was unusual outsole wear by the toe at ~50 mi, and it isn't very stable.
Blog · Meta Endurance – Maxime Gourmelen, Andy Wright · 3 days ago
'Love at first run': paces come easy and legs take less pounding. One tester has made it his go-to workout shoe for months, praising the light, bouncy ride, comfortable upper and effortless toe-off. Not as aggressive as some rivals. Only cosmetic scuffing at 160 km.
Blog · Tom’s Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · 3 days ago
He rates it the best racing shoe from any brand: incredibly light, efficient and propulsive at every distance from 400 m reps to the marathon. As a heel striker he wore the exposed rear foam after 100 miles, with no effect on the ride.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Ryan Eiler · 3 days ago
9.1/10: improved comfort, a friendlier mesh, snappy turnover and more approachable than v10, with an outsole among the best. Deductions for reduced responsiveness and stability at hard efforts, and a slower transition than its predecessors.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein (DPT) · 3 days ago
A- overall: a bouncy, softer, snappy racer for intervals, tempos and mile-to-10K (up to half for faster runners). Fantastic outsole durability, and an amazing $180 price that rivals shoes costing $80 more. The first in the line to impress him in a while. Slight heel slippage.
Blog · WearTesters – Drew Whitcomb · 3 days ago
8.5/10. It breaks Nike cushioning records, feels incredibly plush and is surprisingly stable for its height. Its limited use cases make the price hard to justify for many; walking and short runs won't reveal its support shortcomings.
Blog · Doctors of Running – David Salas, Andrea Myers (DPTs) · 3 days ago
A- overall: perhaps the plushest, bounciest trainer one tester has run in, and impressively stable for its height. Great for easy runs on tired legs. The high weight limits its use, and the high-coverage outsole should justify the $230.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Meaghan Murray, Robbe Reddinger (+ Thomas) · 3 days ago
One tester found it too heavy. The plushest in the line, surprisingly steady for 55 mm, and another tester gave it 12/15. A third tester dissents: one of the heaviest road shoes they've reviewed, easy runs felt hard, and it's a 'trend that went too far'.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Sam Winebaum, Michael Ellenberger, Sally Reiley, Allison Valliere · 3 days ago
Scores of 9.3 to 9.55: radical yet practical, energetic and fun, never ponderous or mushy. One tester went from skeptic to LOVE. Heavy at ~327 g, a bit wobbly at faster paces, and it sliced another tester's heel.
Blog · Tom’s Guide – Jane McGuire, Nick Harris-Fry · 3 days ago
Seriously fun and bouncy; one tester doesn't want to wear anything else, and another tester says it delivers the last word in comfort for easy runs. Overpronators or budget buyers should pick the more stable Vomero Plus.
Blog · Supwell · 3 days ago
'Absolute tanks' after 384 miles: the foam and Air Zoom units feel as responsive as day one, and the outsole is barely touched. Next-level protection and bounce for recovery and high-mileage weeks. One tester likes it best at uptempo/Z2-3 rather than recovery.
Blog · Daily Running Co. – Dean · 3 days ago
Durable and well-made: the upper shows zero wear and is among the most comfortable they've tested, and the outsole barely wore. The foam lost some plushness, and for this mid/forefoot striker the geometry now feels clunky. Best for heel strikers up to the half marathon.
Blog · Tom’s Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · 3 days ago
Solid and good value, but he 'wouldn't pick it up' for his own rotation. There are better options for whatever you want, like the Evo SL at a similar price, which is more comfortable and more responsive. It may suit fans of high-drop trainers with more ground feel.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein, Andrea Myers (DPTs) · 3 days ago
B+/A-. One tester: a solid, durable neutral trainer with firmer, more responsive Dreamstrike+ foam and great value at $140. Another tester likes the midsole feel, but the toe spring and stiff midfoot didn't fit her foot (B-). It's clunky until broken in at ~20-30 mi.
Blog · OutdoorGearLab – Matthew Richardson · 3 days ago
The tallest stack they tested, with a wide platform that limits ankle torque. Recommended for neutral trail runners and hiker-runners, especially Altra fans who want some drop. They'd pick something else for off-route or extended technical sections.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Michael Loutzenheiser, Sam Edgin · 3 days ago
Exceptional fit and comfort for long, daily miles on varied terrain, with minimal instability. A great affordable companion for slow, difficult trails or a first trail shoe. A little heavy.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Jeremy Yoder · 3 days ago
'Hard to name a shoe more comfortable', and it handles most trails for beginners and long-distance runners alike. He'd choose alternatives for extreme elevation, very rocky or often-wet trails.
Blog · Blister Review – Matt Mitchell · 3 days ago
A return to form and a full remodel: comfortable and protective on trails, a sturdy, supportive choice for rough terrain. It feels sluggish when the pace quickens.
Blog · Tom’s Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · 3 days ago
An excellent racer he'll recommend regularly, and great value, especially in the UK. Its natural, stable feel will suit many runners better than wilder super shoes, especially late in a marathon.
Blog · Runner’s World UK – Ali Ball, Rachel Boswell · 3 days ago
Light and faster than ever, a brilliant choice for extremely fast, lightweight racing. One tester finds it aggressive, needing a lot of power from the front, and will save it for speed sessions and shorter races. Another tester compares it favourably to the Fast-R 3.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Andrea Myers, Matt Klein (DPTs) · 3 days ago
A- overall. One tester: a fast ride from uptempo to 5K pace that he plans to race in. Another tester: great fit, and good value for a super shoe at $250. But the forefoot doesn't suit her midfoot strike, and the narrow rear platform may trouble some. Best for rearfoot strikers.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Meaghan Murray, Thomas Neuberger · 3 days ago
One tester's favorite version 'and it's not even close', finally able to go head-to-head with other brands' racers. Another: the best in the line ever and Puma's best race shoe to date. Lighter, wider and softer.
Blog · Doctors of Running – David Salas, Nathan (DPTs) · 3 days ago
Overall B and B-. One tester loves the lively forefoot and excellent fit, but the rugged heel limits it to workouts. For another tester it 'just didn't work' (personal D): slappy with tough transitions. It lacks the versatility of the Endorphin Speed or SC Trainer v3 at $180.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Courtney Kelly, Sally Reiley, Michael Ellenberger · 3 days ago
Scores of 8.88 to 9.33. FF Turbo Squared foam is 'something special', bouncier and livelier than the Endorphin Speed 5, which one tester thinks it may have dethroned. It works best at intervals and uptempo.
