After the FuelCell TC— New Balance's first shoe to show off a carbon plate—here's the FuelCell RC Elite, a shoe whose keywords are comfort and versatility.

It comes with a high-stack cushioning with a height of 35 mm under the heel and 25 mm under the forefoot. The FuelCell foam gives a soft and plush cushioning with a firm touch under the heel. The soft feel of the sole is very similar to that of the Adidas Adios Pro. The result is a very comfortable ride, but the testers judged the bounce to be moderate. The carbon plate—discreet under the foot—does its job and provides a responsive ride with fast transitions but maybe not as impressive as on other similar models (like the Nike AlphaFly, to name only one). Therefore, the ride is actually close to what you get from a traditional running shoe, making it an exciting option for runners looking for a more accessible, more comfortable carbon plated shoe.

Next, the mesh of the upper is soft and relatively thick for a racing shoe, which reinforces the overall feeling of comfort. The shoe fits true to size, but the lockdown is a little loose in the middle of the foot, according to several runners. It's one of the main issues of this model: runners are concerned that it may not be secure enough for racing. The toe box offers enough room, and the heel counter perfectly locks-in the foot. The design is very nice with a sleek build and bright neon colors, although, of course, it's a matter of preference.

Finally, the Dynaride outsole and its small triangular rubber lugs give good traction and seem durable: testers didn't notice any signs of wear after several runs. Besides, the lugs also equip the tip of the shoe to act as a toe bumper that protects the toes and makes the shoe more sturdy.

To summarize, the FuelCell TC is a great carbon plate running shoe with a soft and flexible platform that received high praise from many seasoned runners. Its combination of performance and comfort make it a very versatile shoe. Make no mistake though: it's a shoe built for marathon racing, but it's also suitable for daily training.

What happens when you take an already very good shoe that won the accolades of the trail community in 2018 and make it a little better? You get an exceptional model that's close to perfection. Nothing less! Indeed, the Hoka Torrent 2 confirms its reputation as an ultra-versatile, comfortable and lightweight shoe. While the first model had been very well received, some criticized its upper as being too harsh and not safe enough to tackle very technical surfaces, especially downhill. This second version addresses this feedback with an improved upper that translates into a more classic mesh. Paradoxically, it is more flexible while offering a more precise foot lockdown. According to the testers, the result feels very secure without being too tight (the shoe is also suitable for trailers with wider feet). Then, regarding the cushioning, we find the PROFLY double density foam which gives comfortable but fairly firm padding. The absence of a protective plate combined with the moderate cushioning provides excellent ground feeling. This will appeal to athletes who like a good natural ride on the trails. Overall, the Torrent 2 offers a good compromise between shock absorption, protection and ground feel. Thus, trailers who tested the shoe found it very comfortable, even after several hours of running, despite the relative thinness of the sole. Finally, the traction is always impeccable whatever the terrain or the type of elevation. The multidirectional studs are indeed more numerous and slightly more aggressive, which makes it easy to tackle the most technical trails, whether soft mud or slippery rocks. In short, the Hoka Torrent 2 is an excellent trail shoe (maybe even the best of the year!) that proves to be effective and comfortable in all circumstances. A reference shoe not to be missed!

Adidas is making a big splash for the start of the Autumn season with the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro, its second shoe to use a carbon plate. Like its direct competitors (such as the Nike Alphafly or the Brooks Hyperion Elite 2), the Adios Pro features a very high-stack cushioning to run comfortably long and fast.

When we mentioned that the Adios Pro featured a carbon plate, we only told half of the story (or even less). Indeed, the shoe has not one but six plates! First, there's a carbon-infused nylon plate under the heel to improve stability and compensate for the narrow profile of the rearfoot. Second, there are five "EnergyRods" made of carbon-infused TPU that support the toes to promote smooth transitions and a springy ride. These propulsion plates are surrounded by the new Lightstrike Pro foam, which is very flexible. The result is a high stack sole with 39 mm of height under the heel and 31 mm under the forefoot. The testers found the outcome breathtaking in terms of performance and running sensations. Indeed, they noted "fast transitions" from heel to toe and a perfect balance between softness and bounce. In other words, the feel is soft and plush with the Lightstrike Pro foam, but the carbon plates give good structure and a natural impulse while running. The only downside is the weight of the foam, which is heavier than that of its competitors (such as Nike's ZoomX). The shoe is far from being heavy, but it is not as light as one would expect from this high-tech racing shoe.

The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro also shines thanks to its Celermesh upper that offers amazing foot lockdown with its unique design. Also, it provides excellent airflow throughout the run and features a roomy toe-box without reducing lockdown. The only criticism we've seen is that the collar could irritate the Achilles tendon, but this may be an isolated incident.

Finally, the outsole is rugged rubber but with a surprisingly flat sandpaper-like surface. Rest assured, however, the testers didn't find that this configuration diminished durability or grip—quite the contrary!

In summary, the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro is an excellent running shoe to go fast comfortably that offers a unique and impressive configuration, especially with the EnergyRods carbon plates under the toes. The comfort is there, and the cushioning is spectacular, according to the runners who have tested the shoe.

With the Endorphin Pro, Saucony enters the highly-competitive carbon plate running shoe category that has been dominated head and shoulders by Nike so far.

It's a lightweight shoe (221 grams for men, 190 grams for women) with a thick sole (35 mm under the heel) that features a brand new cushioning technology: PWRRUN PB. It translates into Pebax fused granules with a texture reminiscent of Adidas Boost. Inside, the carbon plate is there to make the ride more responsive by facilitating a snappy rebound. So what's the verdict?

First of all, what surprised testers the most was the firmness of the cushioning despite the high stack height. They note that the cushioning is very bouncy but without offering the "trampoline" effect of the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT%. This configuration has the advantage of giving a more stable and natural ride with a good ground feeling. It may not perform as well as the Nike Vaporfly—only time will tell—but overall, Saucony's approach is convincing and original.

Regarding the upper, the FORMFIT mesh gives a strict foot lockdown for more safety when you go fast. The runners were impressed by the excellent ventilation of the foot during the effort. However, the shoe has a tapered profile, so it can be too narrow if you have wider feet.

Finally, the carbon rubber of the outsole ensures good durability and excellent traction on urban surfaces.

All in all, the Saucony Endorphin Pro is a very good carbon-plate running shoe that's already a solid contender to Nike's NEXT% collection.

The Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 is a trail shoe inspired by the legendary ultramarathon athlete Karl 'Speedgoat' Meltzer. With an excellent third model, we were looking forward to this fourth iteration. On the one hand, it is sometimes disappointing to find a new model with few improvements, but on the other hand, it is reassuring to see an excellent shoe keep its substance and not change radically. As the saying goes, you don't change a winning team! Thus, the Speedgoat 4 is very similar to the SG3 with some notable improvements. Cushioning is still as comfortable and responsive despite the introduction of a new injection-molded EVA foam. The Speedgoat is a maximalist shoe with 32 mm of thickness under the heel and thus effectively absorbs shocks on the most challenging terrains. However, it is not soft and offers an excellent return of energy for a bounce-filled racing feeling. It's one of the main assets that make it an exceptional trail shoe. Also, the SG4 is a low drop shoe with a 4 mm offset between heel and toes. The upper is the part that features the most changes. Indeed, reputed to be too narrow in the past for many athletes, it is now wider at the toe level and no longer compresses them uncomfortably. So the shoe should now be suitable for as many people as possible. Make no mistake though: the upper remains relatively firm with limited flexibility, but this configuration has the advantage of providing an effective foot lockdown. It makes you feel safer on very rough technical terrain where stability and secure fit are essential. Also, the mesh is robust and breathable. Finally, the grip is always at its best with a Vibram outsole with 5mm lugs that provide excellent traction in all conditions. In short, the Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 is an excellent trail shoe ideal for long distances on the most technically challenging trails.

The New Balance 1080 v10 is a comfortable and versatile road shoe with generous cushioning. Indeed, it has a 29 mm thick sole under the heel with an 8 mm drop. It features the Fresh Foam technology that is used in many New Balance models. On this particular model, the foam provides a comfortable and soft cushioning while offering a good energy return. In comparison, the cushioning is softer than on the Beacon v2, for example. This configuration provides a comfortable running feel to have fun over long distances. Nevertheless, this model retains the excellent polyvalence for which it is renowned and adapts very well to shorter distances and speed training. The upper area features the most changes with a new flame design for the heel to better support the foot. In addition, the new upper now uses knit instead of mesh. This provides optimal ventilation and a slightly softer fit. Another important point is that you can comfortably splay your toes thanks to the large toe box. All in all, the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v10 is a very good surprise with some important changes that considerably improve comfort. An excellent, comfortable and versatile road running shoe not to be missed!

Nike expands its NEXT% collection with a new model to complement the Alphafly: the Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% Flyknit.

What immediately grabs the attention is its massive sole (46 mm stack under the heel!) with a curved shape that looks like an arch. Another important point is its nylon plate. It improves propulsion by ensuring a smooth transition while running. The big difference compared to a carbon plate (like the one on the Alphafly) is its firmness: carbon is lighter but firmer than nylon. Thus, the blade on the Tempo is softer, which makes it less noticeable.

In terms of running sensation, runners found the cushioning of the shoe very comfortable while being rather firm underfoot. This configuration makes the platform relatively stable despite the impressive stack height. As a result, the shoe is more stable than other models equipped with ZoomX foam. According to them, this is the work of the React foam under the heel. They also found the ride pleasant and responsive even at a slow pace, which is not always the case with propulsion plate running shoes as they are primarily intended for racing and fast speeds. Nike seems to position the Tempo as a fast and versatile trainer with its medium weight (252 g) and nylon blade, and the Alphafly as a competition shoe with its carbon plate and featherweight.

Moving on to the upper, Flyknit is quite breathable despite its somewhat "plastic" appearance. It is not very stretchy for a more precise foot lockdown without reducing comfort. The shoe remains spacious overall, especially in the toe area. However, some runners have found it too narrow in the midfoot, which may not be suitable for everyone.

Overall, the Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% Flyknit is a very good, comfortable, and versatile trainer with high-stack yet firm cushioning and a nylon blade.

It took a bit of time for Adidas (and other brands, by the way) to respond to Nike and its carbon propulsion plate shoes which really turned the world of running upside down by introducing an incredible joker. A technology that has proven to be able to significantly improve athlete performance by promoting better propulsion. Adidas' answer is called the Adizero Pro and the wait was worthwhile. It's lightweight and at the same time a little heavier than its direct competitors with 235 g (8.3 oz) for men and 218 g (7.7 oz) for women. At first glance, the shoe looks a lot like the Adizero Adios 5 but much more streamlined. The cushioning configuration is very similar as it uses the Boost and Lightstrike foams. What differentiates it is its secret weapon: Carbitex, a carbon propulsion plate. This one is spoon-shaped and relatively soft compared to those of its competitors (like the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% or the Saucony Endorphin Pro). This allows a greater range of motion, especially in the forefoot area, for a more springy ride during toe-off. Testers were impressed with the effectiveness of this configuration. According to them, the shoe is great for any distance by allowing for a more fluid ride, as long as you pick up the pace. Furthermore, the sole has a generous stack height while being fairly firm, which gives better stability. Next, the one-piece Celermesh upper is elegant and very comfortable. It's very similar to the Adizero Adios' upper but thinner. The lockdown is well adjusted while providing enough room for the toes. Finally, let's take a moment to appreciate the effectiveness of the outsole. It is an element that goes a little unnoticed on road shoes (unlike trail shoes) but here the Continental and Adiwear rubbers provide both great grip and durability. Also, the Quickstrike DSP nods provide better traction on slippery surfaces such as athletic tracks. The result is impressive and should allow you to keep the Adizero Pro longer than a traditional carbon plate competition shoe. In summary, the Adidas Adizero Pro is a very good running shoe with a carbon plate for speed. Its cushioning and sturdy construction makes it suitable for all types of training – as long as you go fast!

The Saucony Ride 13 is a versatile road shoe in the same class as the Nike Pegasus. This new version shows major changes (as the rest of the Saucony range in 2020). Thus, we find a new mesh, more traditional, which replaces ISOFIT. The result is impressive according to the testers who tried the shoe. The foot lockdown is very precise in the middle but wider around the toes to leave them enough room. However, note that the upper is a little thick which can be a problem in very hot weather. Then, in terms of cushioning, the sole is thicker with 32 mm under the heel and 24 mm under the forefoot. The PWRRUN technology that combines EVA foam and TPU provides a fairly firm yet snappy cushioning that is suitable for tempo and fartlek sessions. Besides, its flexible and well-thought-out configuration gives the impression of being lighter than its actual weight (288g for men, 244g for women). Also, the blown rubber under the forefoot contributes to the shoe's good rebound while the firm rubber under the heel protects it from wear and tear. As you can see, this model shines with its versatility and comfort. The testers did not note any major negative points. In short, the Saucony Ride 13 is a great running shoe for runners looking for a model that is perfectly suited to all types of training and distances. Comfort 9.5 Service life 9.5 Value for money 9.5 Design 9 FOR Great comfort Upper with impeccable support Comfortable cushioning and springy bounce at the same time Solid shoe Good versatility AGAINST Slightly high weight Thick upper a little warm for summer

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.

The Hoka Rincon 2 is back after a first unanimously acclaimed version that took the world of running by surprise with its ultra-light and comfortably cushioned profile. Without further ado, let's dive right in: the Rincon 2 is the same shoe with a few small changes. The weight remains about the same but the sole is a little thinner with 29 mm under the heel for men and 26 mm for women. The drop is still 5 mm. Cushioning is still very comfortable with a good balance of softness and firmness. Runners who have tested the shoe agree that it is not as responsive as some of its competitors, especially those with carbon plates. However, the lightweight profile compensates for its absence to some extent. In other words, the shoe is naturally springy overall. The upper is the part that has evolved the most, but without radical change. The mesh is thicker and slightly tighter than before, which gives a better upper fit. If you have wider feet, don't worry: the Rincon 2 remains accommodating, especially around the toes. The outsole is the only part that draws criticism from testers. Indeed, the Rincon 2 has little rubber to protect the sole, which is made of exposed EVA foam. This configuration is not ideal in terms of durability as it offers little protection against abrasion. This is a recurring criticism from testers who have all noticed that the sole wore out quickly after only a few runs. The Hoka Rincon 2 is affordable but we would still like it to be more robust to be able to last at least 500 km/300 mi. Overall, the Hoka Rincon 2 is a very good, light, and comfortable road running shoe with generous cushioning and a great upper. The only real drawback is the fragility of the sole but this remains acceptable considering the great qualities of the shoe.

With its fun and unique pops of color, optimal padding, and modern design, the Saucony Endorphin Shift is the third model in the Endorphin line. Of the three, It's the 'every day/recovery' shoe, a workhorse to comfortably run for long distances. With a stack height 38 mm under the heel and 34 mm under the forefoot, the Shift features a thoroughly-padded midsole designed with PWWRUN foam. Runners described it as 'bouncy' and 'rolling through every stride', which is a clear plus for running longer distances. The upper shoe is described as "stellar" and comparable to the other two Endorphin shoes. It's also highly-praised for its inviting and vibrant aesthetic. Finally, the outsole is particularly notable for its rubber grip that provides decent traction on roads. With its rubber grip, the shoe does perform well on off-road terrains as well, such as sand, gravel... However, one runner noted that the shoe began to slip a bit on wet terrain but consistently does well on a variety of dry landscapes. Also, while the Shift received many good reviews from satisfied runners, a few noted that the toe box of the shoe proved to be a bit too narrow/restrictive to fit a variety of feet. Additionally, some runners remarked that the shoe ran on the heavier side, which took away from its 'bouncy' engineering. Indeed, with 292 g/10.3 oz for men and 264 g/9.3 oz for women, the Shift is much heavier than its racing counterpart, the Endorphin Pro, and its 221 g/7.8 oz. This difference can be explained by the price but also by the vocation of each shoe. Saucony wants us to buy the three models of the collection and alternate according to our training and races. ln this regard, the Endorphin Shift is an interesting trainer option to run comfortably for a long time. To summarize, the Saucony Endorphin Shift is a very good low drop 'everyday trainer' that's especially great for recovery runs with its comfortable and generous cushioning.