Source: https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/gear/shoes/a776671/best-running-shoes/
HoASICS Gel Cumulus23
Weight: 280g (M), 240g (W)
Heel/toe drop: 10mm
Type: Road/Neutral
When a shoe hits version 23, you know it ain’t broke – and Cumulus fans can rest assured Asics hasn’t fixed it. The 23 is another versatile, comfortable, everyday go-to. There is some evolution, notably in the midsole’s ‘3DSpace construction’ – pillars that compress to different extents, working with your (gender-specific) foot strike. You don’t notice the nuances of this on the run, but you do notice a smooth and unobtrusive ride.
Heel strikers will enjoy extra shock absorption from the heel’s gel unit, while the Flytefoam midsole material hits a sweet spot on the cushioning continuum: soft enough to excel on slower miles, but enough spring to accelerate through tempo sessions.
The plush ankle collar, heel and tongue add comfort, but at the price of the 23 weighing slightly more than the 22. The upper update uses a mesh of differing thicknesses, providing support where it’s most needed and breathability elsewhere, while the grip is excellent, even in those ferocious summer downpours.
In a world of carbon bells and rocker whistles, this is a dependable staple you can rely on.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 2
Weight: 224g (M), 198g (W)
Heel/toe drop: 8mm
Type: Road/Neutral
Our Best In Test award is reserved for shoes that stand out from the crowd – and this is one of them. Judged only by its name and weight, and you’d be forgiven for thinking it is best suited to speedwork or racing, but that would seriously underplay this impressively versatile option, which proved as adept on long runs as it did on shorter, faster workouts. Sandwiched inside Saucony’s PWRRUN PB cushioning in the midsole is a full-length nylon plate, which offers a propulsive feeling, but is flexible and subtle, with less of the obvious rocker motion typical of carbon-plated shoes.
Compared with many carbon shoes, the Endorphin Speed 2 offers a more stable, unobtrusive and sure-footed ride – you feel like you can plant your foot down with confidence. The shoe is finely tuned between cushioning and responsiveness: it’s bouncy but you can still feel the road and get plenty of pop from it as you run. In thewords of RW editor-in-chief Andy Dixon, ‘Overall, it’s a superb all- rounder, a great option for those who only want one pair of running shoes to cover all their bases.’
Nike Zoom X Invincible Run
Weight: 268g (M), 221g (W)
Heel/toe drop: 8mm
Type: Road/Performance
Designed to give you a ‘competitive edge on race day’, the V2 of theFuelCell RC Elite delivers a fast ride.You’ll look the part, too: our testers loved the styling and we’d go as far as to say it’s one of the best-looking shoes in the whole guide.
Aesthetics aside, you get the pace and pop you need for race days and speedwork sessions, with a healthy amount of FuelCell midsole and a full-length carbon fibre plate, which has the same rigidity as it did in the first version of this shoe, but with a steeper slope. This, paired with the higher toe spring, gives the Elite V2 more of a rocker effect, although not quite as pronounced as other ‘super shoes’ on the market. From speedwork to half marathons, this performed well while also feeling comfortable and stable underfoot at all times.
‘For me, it feels very similar to theFuelCell TC, but offers you more cushioning and more stability on the corners,’ says McGuire. ‘I’m a huge fan of the Elite V2 and love how, unlike some shoes, it’s not just built for logging speedy miles. It feels comfortable and stable during both warm-ups and cool-downs.