Shoe technology has progressed rapidly in the last few years, particularly for runners who require support when their foot rolls inwards. It used to be the rigid anti-rollbar that did just that, but, while perfect for pronators, this made the shoe feel solid and unresponsive. Fast-forward to 2009 and a supportive shoe like the Omni […]
A psychologist rather than our seasoned testers may have been better qualified for comment given the psychedelic upper patterns on display here. After all, surely there must be some advanced thinking behind the mix of colours? Fans of this model in its previous and equally daring incarnations will be fully acquainted with the comfort and […]
Although most of us roll our feet inwards (pronate) when we run longer races, super-light racing shoes frequently come without any stability. But the Advantage supply just that: enough stability to make you feel the shoes are doing the job they’re supposed to do. From a tri point of view these are difficult to fault. […]
The tech sheets tell you this is a lightweight multi-activity shoe, so what better way to test the Scarpa Axis than a multi-activity weekend of mountain biking and canoeing in the Lake District? Out in adventure world, the Axis’ low profile, relative lightness (for a trail shoe) at 788g, supportive cushioning and generous width ensured […]
Inov-8 shoes are great for off-road running. Try the Roclite 315 for non-technical trails or the Mudclaw 330 for the filthy stuff. But if it’s a lightweight shoe for summer fell races you’re after, then the X-Talon 212 ticks all the right boxes. Weighing in at 212g, it’s like a ballet shoe with 4 x […]
This light (259g), responsive shoe is speedy and track-spike like, and will be best suited for sprint triathlons or short, sharp workouts. The track-spike feel makes the Avi-Bolt minimalistic (although there are lighter shoes) and, as a result, you’ll get a real feel for the road. Our test team was impressed with the snug fit […]
This attack on the lower-priced end of the market by Adidas is a roaring success. The mud-conquering Kanadia is excellent value for money for anyone looking to venture off the beaten track for the first time. They have an aggressive outsole that can cope with most terrains, a generous slab of cushioning and minimal weight. […]
These caused some positive murmurings from our support crew thanks to the flexible forefoot. Trail shoes can often be a little too sturdy for those of us looking for a bit of pace, but the cut of these shoes and their responsiveness, thanks to a dual-density midsole, is very good. The aggressive outsole is also […]
This is a very cushioned shoe – ‘plush’ is the word Brooks use – so it was no surprise to find it was a pleasure to run in from the first wear. And even better was the fact that the quicker you run, the better they perform. But note: these are for lighter runners looking […]
This was a new brand for our testing team so there was understandable excitement about taking the shoes out for a stride. Basically, the technology suggests the shoe can recycle your own energy, which in turn results in less stress and faster recovery thanks to the inclusion of what can only be described as a […]
The Fastwitch has a very light, fast feel to it from the highly flexible outsole and midsole through to the snug and highly breathable upper. The shoe shows it’s possible to build a minimal racer to give overpronators some support while maintaining all the properties needed for fast running. The ride is soft so some […]
The Makani has a similar weight and target audience to Asics’s DS Trainer. Those who suffer with sore Achilles heels in lighter shoes that have a lower profile midsole will welcome the Makani’s claims that it has more depth to the midsole at the heel. The cushioning is good in the heel but feels too […]
This shoe has good protection for its weight (approx 200g). The upper and layout of the lacing allow you to secure a good fit and feel your foot is locked in position for fast running. The Hyper Speed 2 is primarily suited for shorter race distances but it packs a surprising amount of cushioning and […]
At £45 it’s hard to fault the Brooks T5 Racer. It’s certainly a light one (at less than 200g) and the fit is adequate – perhaps not as adjustable as we would like to see but it raised no issues. There’s never going to be a stack of cushioning at this weight, but the ride […]
The Elite is a lightweight offering rather than an out-and-out racer. It has good guidance and support for overpronators with a softer strike zone at the heel, flex grooves, medial post and midfoot shank, which work well to guide your foot without giving harshness to the ride. ‘Crash pads’ offer adequate cushioning whether you’re landing […]
The Type A is an out-and-out racing shoe. Starting with the upper, it has a degree of stretch in the materials, allowing for a snug fit without feeling restrictive. And given the weight of the shoe – just under 200g – the cushioning is fairly effective with a soft feel. Of course, as the shoe […]
It’s easy to see why the Precision has so many fans. It’s a lightweight shoe rather than a racer. The midsole depth is close to that of a standard training shoe, making it easier on your Achilles tendons than a lower-profile midsole. But the weight is kept down and it’s easy to raise the pace […]
Buying racers really is a case of horses for courses. The Racer ST 3 caters for the runner who has given up hope that there’s a racer to suit him. It offers good support for overpronators and a firmer ride, making it suited to heavier runners. But it also has something to offer lighter runners, […]
Here we are at the minimal end of the scale. These weigh in at around 170g so, if you’re worried about protection, look elsewhere. These shoes are all about converting every scrap of fitness into speed. The midsole is low profile and very flexible at the forefoot, and the upper fits like a glove. Adidas’ […]
The DS Trainer straddles that line between racer and lightweight. It offers cushioning and support while feeling as responsive as some pure racers. While this isn’t as substantial as on some shoes, you do get a springy feeling from heel to toe-off from the Gel and Solyte midsole. Good midfoot stability and guidance for overpronators […]
The Octane XC contains a 2L bladder in a semi-insulated sac with waist belt and horizontal chest strap. Shaped to fit the curve of your back, it’s highly adjustable and comfortable with virtually no bounce when full. Storage-wise it has a phone-type zip pocket in the upper back, generous stash pockets in the waist belt […]
This competes with the ProGrid Guide for the title of ‘most versatile training shoe we’ve tested to date’. The ForMotion system used in tandem with adiPRENE cushioning means that you get a mix of cushioning and stabilising when your foot hits the ground; the heel partially decoupling to reduce impact and shearing forces. It feels […]
It may sound obvious to say that a neutral shoe is all about cushioning, but the 1062 focuses mainly on this, and not on any of the foot-steering features that you’ll find on other shoes at the same price point. Not surprisingly, both the heel and forefoot are well padded, so if your main concern […]
This is a lightweight shoe for neutral runners. Lighter runners can use it for training, while others could use it for racing or faster training. The fit and feel are good, with a surprisingly well-cushioned ride, given the weight. The cushioning is firm-to-springy, compared with the softer Nike Victory or lower-profile Puma Infinitus, but this […]
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