The Best Road Running Shoes of 2020
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The Saucony Ride 14 is very good road running shoe for daily training : comfortably and sturdy.
★★★★★
More details +2020 was a special year for Saucony—besides the worldwide circumstances we all know, obviously—with the great success of its Endorphin range. Far from being eclipsed, the Saucony Ride has consolidated its status as the ultimate daily trainer with practical and classic cushioning. Version 14 continues this trend with few changes.
The Saucony Ride 14 is a comfortable and versatile shoe with a high stack cushioning: 32 mm under the forefoot and 24 mm under the forefoot. However, the platform is quite firm, according to the testers. Thus, shock absorption is good, but the ride is somewhat rigid. In terms of cushioning, as on the previous model, some runners noted a slight bounce, while others found the ride a bit dull. Let's note that the R14 still uses PWRRUN foam instead of the newer PWRRUN PB, which has the reputation of packing a punch in the energy return department. In other words, what was suitable in 2020 seems a bit dated in 2021.
The upper is very comfortable and offers an ideal lockdown with the right amount of flexibility and support. Also, the upper is much more breathable than before, thanks to a more open mesh design. Not only it allows air to circulate better, but it also makes the upper more flexible. The only slightly negative point is the tongue, which some testers deemed too thick.
Finally, the outsole does not skimp on rubber to ensure effective traction and make the shoe more robust. The other advantage of this configuration is that the shoe is quieter—pedestrians will no longer turn around when they hear you coming (beware: this stealth mode can scare people at night!).
In summary, the Saucony Ride 14 remains an excellent choice for daily training, thanks to its comfort and versatility. The firm cushioning may not be to everyone's liking, but overall it's effective. We only hope that the next iteration will benefit from a more responsive foam!
The Saucony Ride 14 is a comfortable and versatile shoe with a high stack cushioning: 32 mm under the forefoot and 24 mm under the forefoot. However, the platform is quite firm, according to the testers. Thus, shock absorption is good, but the ride is somewhat rigid. In terms of cushioning, as on the previous model, some runners noted a slight bounce, while others found the ride a bit dull. Let's note that the R14 still uses PWRRUN foam instead of the newer PWRRUN PB, which has the reputation of packing a punch in the energy return department. In other words, what was suitable in 2020 seems a bit dated in 2021.
The upper is very comfortable and offers an ideal lockdown with the right amount of flexibility and support. Also, the upper is much more breathable than before, thanks to a more open mesh design. Not only it allows air to circulate better, but it also makes the upper more flexible. The only slightly negative point is the tongue, which some testers deemed too thick.
Finally, the outsole does not skimp on rubber to ensure effective traction and make the shoe more robust. The other advantage of this configuration is that the shoe is quieter—pedestrians will no longer turn around when they hear you coming (beware: this stealth mode can scare people at night!).
In summary, the Saucony Ride 14 remains an excellent choice for daily training, thanks to its comfort and versatility. The firm cushioning may not be to everyone's liking, but overall it's effective. We only hope that the next iteration will benefit from a more responsive foam!
PROS:
- Great comfort
- Upper that offers an impeccable lockdown
- Effective cushioning despite its firmness with a touch of bounce
- Reasonable weight considering the high stack sole
- Sturdy shoe
CONS:
- The tongue is a little too thick
- Cushioning too firm and not responsive enough, according to some runners
The Mizuno Wave Sky Neo is a comfortable albeit heavy daily trainer with an outstanding cushioning.
★★★★★
More details + $200.00
Available primarily in Europe thus far, the Mizuno Wave Sky Neo is creating a buzz from overseas. Promoted as a highly-cushioned daily trainer with a miraculous midsole, expectations run high for the Neo, no pun intended. However, runners who tried the shoe had drastically different things to say about their experience—and not all were satisfied.
The midsole of the Neo, crafted with bouncy Enerzy foam, is immediately comfortable upon step-in. Soft and responsive without being mushy, this shoe offers a unique experience from comparable alternatives. Alternative models, like the Wave Rider 24, also use Enerzy material for the midsole; however, the Neo combines Enerzy Core with Enerzy foam and Mizuno Foam Wave technology. The result is triple the cushioning in one supremely comfortable midsole. Runners were overall impressed by the combination of plush feel and bounce that's often hard to nail down with a trainer. Also noteworthy is the shoe's knit upper, which is made with extra eyelets to prevent heel slipping and secures feet effectively. The Neo's outsole is durable while still allowing flexibility and features a small section of the exposed midsole (visible through a recessed hole in the heel). This is, presumably, purely for aesthetics rather than for any purpose or functionality.
The Wave Sky Neo performs but misses the mark for runners keen on a more lightweight experience. The shoe's stack height doesn't help with its clunky feel—approximately 40 mm under the heel, weighing 337 g/11.9 oz for the men's version. This extra weight made it difficult for some users to get the most out of the Neo as a daily long-distance trainer. Its heaviness, coupled with the sky-high price tag, should make runners stop and consider other options before splurging on the Neo.
In summation, the Neo may be the right choice for runners who prioritize midsole comfort. Some users who tried the shoe swear by it. However, keep in mind that the shoe's limited availability might mean it will be weeks before you receive your purchase. Additionally, if you're looking for an affordable trainer that won't slow you down, it's worth your while to explore alternatives.
The midsole of the Neo, crafted with bouncy Enerzy foam, is immediately comfortable upon step-in. Soft and responsive without being mushy, this shoe offers a unique experience from comparable alternatives. Alternative models, like the Wave Rider 24, also use Enerzy material for the midsole; however, the Neo combines Enerzy Core with Enerzy foam and Mizuno Foam Wave technology. The result is triple the cushioning in one supremely comfortable midsole. Runners were overall impressed by the combination of plush feel and bounce that's often hard to nail down with a trainer. Also noteworthy is the shoe's knit upper, which is made with extra eyelets to prevent heel slipping and secures feet effectively. The Neo's outsole is durable while still allowing flexibility and features a small section of the exposed midsole (visible through a recessed hole in the heel). This is, presumably, purely for aesthetics rather than for any purpose or functionality.
The Wave Sky Neo performs but misses the mark for runners keen on a more lightweight experience. The shoe's stack height doesn't help with its clunky feel—approximately 40 mm under the heel, weighing 337 g/11.9 oz for the men's version. This extra weight made it difficult for some users to get the most out of the Neo as a daily long-distance trainer. Its heaviness, coupled with the sky-high price tag, should make runners stop and consider other options before splurging on the Neo.
In summation, the Neo may be the right choice for runners who prioritize midsole comfort. Some users who tried the shoe swear by it. However, keep in mind that the shoe's limited availability might mean it will be weeks before you receive your purchase. Additionally, if you're looking for an affordable trainer that won't slow you down, it's worth your while to explore alternatives.
PROS:
- Great comfort
- Impressive cushioning both comfortable and snappy
- Durable build
- Precise and pleasant foot lockdown
CONS:
- Costly shoes
- Heavyweight
The Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 is a good stable running shoe with generous and comfortable cushioning.
★★★★★
More details + $159.95
The Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit caused a stir in 2020 with a major Nike marketing campaign promoting the Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit as a next-generation supportive shoe that reduces injury risk. A year later, this second version resembles the first one, for the most part, except for the new improved upper.
What strikes at first glance is the shoe's more functional design. If the v1 moonlighted as a sneaker, this new one embraces its support shoe DNA fully with a broad and stable platform. The weight remains similar at 9.9 oz/281 g compared to 9.7 oz/275 g previously (men's model). The sole offers high-stack cushioning with 33 mm under the heel and 24 mm under the forefoot. According to the testers, the React foam is still as soft as ever while providing a slight bounce-nothing that will knock your sock off, but it's still appreciable for this type of shoe. For overpronators, the Infinity Run continues to use a TPU clip under the arch to locks-in the foot in terms of support. Without being uncomfortable, the testers noted that it was noticeable. Let's note that this is a model for all runners, not just overpronators. However, if you have a neutral stride, this small plastic piece seems useless and may irritate you more than anything else.
The Flyknit upper is now denser for a better lockdown and more durability. Nike has more than one trick up its sleeve and decided to bring out its good old (but effective) Flywire technology. Overall, testers found the result convincing, even though some found the upper a bit too loose in some places.
Finally, the outsole comes with a generous amount of rubber with a unique design to improve flexibility. It's a token of durability to keep the shoe longer—the testers found no signs of wear after several long runs.
In summary, the Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 is a stable running shoe with a new, more efficient upper and comfortable cushioning that's ideal for long-distance, daily training, and recovery.
What strikes at first glance is the shoe's more functional design. If the v1 moonlighted as a sneaker, this new one embraces its support shoe DNA fully with a broad and stable platform. The weight remains similar at 9.9 oz/281 g compared to 9.7 oz/275 g previously (men's model). The sole offers high-stack cushioning with 33 mm under the heel and 24 mm under the forefoot. According to the testers, the React foam is still as soft as ever while providing a slight bounce-nothing that will knock your sock off, but it's still appreciable for this type of shoe. For overpronators, the Infinity Run continues to use a TPU clip under the arch to locks-in the foot in terms of support. Without being uncomfortable, the testers noted that it was noticeable. Let's note that this is a model for all runners, not just overpronators. However, if you have a neutral stride, this small plastic piece seems useless and may irritate you more than anything else.
The Flyknit upper is now denser for a better lockdown and more durability. Nike has more than one trick up its sleeve and decided to bring out its good old (but effective) Flywire technology. Overall, testers found the result convincing, even though some found the upper a bit too loose in some places.
Finally, the outsole comes with a generous amount of rubber with a unique design to improve flexibility. It's a token of durability to keep the shoe longer—the testers found no signs of wear after several long runs.
In summary, the Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 is a stable running shoe with a new, more efficient upper and comfortable cushioning that's ideal for long-distance, daily training, and recovery.
PROS:
- Improved upper for more effective foot lockdown
- Comfortable cushioning with more bounce than what we usually find on support shoes
- Wide and stable platform
- Sturdy model
- Reasonable weight
CONS:
- The new upper may be a little loose for some people
- The TPU support clip is noticeable under the foot (however, this is often the case with stability shoes)