The Best Running Shoes: The Ultimate 2020 Ranking

The Salomon shoe specially designed for ultra trail running is back. The S/Lab Ultra 3 is a versatile shoe favored by French star François d'Haene, a three-time UTMB winner. So what is this new version worth? First of all, the configuration remains almost identical in terms of weight and stack height. The grip is still excellent with the Contagrip rubber and its moderately aggressive lugs. The Ultra 3 is comfortable on most terrains, although testers note that deeper lugs would be welcome on steep and muddy routes. Also, as with previous versions, the configuration is robust and wear-resistant. In terms of cushioning, the stack height is moderate, with 26 mm under the heel and 18 mm under the forefoot. Trailers characterize the cushioning as "fairly firm" while offering good flexibility and shock absorption, which makes the ride enjoyable even over long distances. They also describe the feel of the run as springy, with smooth transitions throughout the run, even at low speeds. Then, the upper is softer with a streamlined, seamless design that gets rid of the "wings" of the previous model. The foot lockdown is great, resulting in a stable and safe run. Also, the upper is slightly more spacious (especially in the toe area), and its flexibility ensures good freedom of movement for the foot. The only negative point of the upper would be its lack of ventilation. Besides, despite all its great qualities, the shoe is on the expensive side with a base price of $180. In summary, the Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3 is a very good trail shoe that is comfortable in all conditions and offers great comfort over long distances.

We have just unpacked the first model, and Brooks is already back with a second version! The Hyperion Elite had received mixed reviews, with many criticizing its firm and dull cushioning. Also, durability wasn't there—the brand itself admitted that the shoe had a lifespan of 150 km (!). Brooks seems to have corrected this by reinforcing the sole with more rubber. Without being sturdy, the testers note that this new model should withstand more kilometers than the first one.

The Cushioning has softened and offers greater bounce. The sole is 37 mm thick under the heel with an offset of 8 mm. Brooks has replaced the short-lived DNA Zero foam with DNA Flash, which translates into an even more densely compressed texture to promote a more explosive energy return while running. And, of course, there's the carbon plate to guide runners to a smoother, faster run that requires less effort. Reviewers found the result convincing. They especially appreciated the stable and wide configuration of the platform. Without providing the same level of bounce as some of its competitors like the Nike Alphafly or the Saucony Endorphin Pro, the Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 puts on a good show. The ride is something very personal, so it's a shoe that could appeal to athletes who didn't like these other models.

Moving on to the upper, the stretch woven mesh is comfortable and well ventilated while providing precise foot lockdown. Moreover, it is remarkably roomy to please runners with wider feet. However, despite these pros, some testers did not like certain details. For example, the heel now features a moderately thick layer that some runners found irritating to the tendon. Similarly, the thin tongue tends to move while running, which is not convenient.

Overall, the Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 is a clear step up over the first model. Its comfort and springy cushioning make it a great running shoe for competition despite some flaws.

The Rocket X is Hoka One One's new carbon-fiber plate running shoe. It features a classic, simple, and sleek design with the marathon in mind. As we'll see, its specific configuration can be very effective but not necessarily suitable for everyone.

First of all, the Hoka Rocket X is closer to a classic racing shoe than a carbon plate model. The semi-rigid carbon-fiber unit is unobtrusive and offers good bounce without the "trampoline" effect of other carbon shoes—many testers compare the Rocket X to the Saucony Endorphin Pro in terms of the ride but find the latter smoother overall. The CMEVA midsole has a stack height of 32 mm under the heel and 27 mm under the forefoot and offers a simple and effective cushioning, described by testers as firm and moderately springy. It doesn't have much to do with the signature Hoka plush cushioning. However, it seems that the platform's firmness and the low drop (5 mm) limit the shoe's versatility. According to the runners, it takes a quick pace to "activate" the carbon plate's propulsion benefit. The Rocket X is equipped with Meta-Rocker technology, but it's not very effective on this model. According to several testers, it's best to forefoot strike to get the most out of this shoe. However, most runners are heel strikers, which reduces the potential audience of the Rocket X.

Next, the lightweight and breathable mesh of the upper offers precise and flexible foot lockdown: the ideal configuration to combine comfort and race-ready fit. Also, the heel counter is soft and not too high, which will please runners with Achilles problems. The toe box is moderately spacious and should not be a concern for runners with wider feet.

Finally, the rubber outsole is grippy enough despite its seemingly smooth texture and is sturdy enough to withstand wear and tear.

To summarize, the Hoka Rocket X is a good carbon-fiber plate racing running shoe. Still, its particular configuration—which favors forefoot strikers—isn't versatile enough to rival carbon plate champions like the Nike AlphaFly or the Adidas Adios Pro, especially over long distances. However, it can be an interesting option if you are looking for a simple yet edgy carbon plate competition shoe for short or medium distances.