The Brooks Ghost 13 is a sturdy running shoe with comfortable cushioning, particularly suitable for daily training. The collection continues its transformation with this new version, which keeps getting a little lighter and thinner. The shoe now weighs 280 g (9.9 oz) for men and 252 g (8.9 oz) for women, which is very reasonable considering the thickness of the sole (31 mm under the heel). The cushioning is comfortable and effectively absorbs shocks throughout the run. It is important to note that the soft DNA Loft foam now extends over the entire lateral part of the shoe instead of being solely located in the heel as before. The firmer BioMoGo DNA foam is still present but on the medial part of the foot. The foams are co-molded to avoid a noticeable division line. The testers found the cushioning to be well balanced overall, except under the toes where they found it too soft for optimal energy return. This is the main disadvantage of the shoe. However, this is consistent with its profile which is primarily intended for medium and long distances at a slow to moderate pace. Besides, runners insist that the shoe provides a smooth ride with a good transition from heel to toe. Moving on to the upper, the mesh is thinner and more flexible than on any other Ghost model before. The toe area is particularly flexible and spacious. This will appeal to runners with wider feet, but people with thin feet may float a little. Overall the lockdown is still very good. Note that the collar behind the heel is quite thick and rigid (which is very characteristic of the Ghost). Finally, the outsole features thick rubber with deep grooves which makes it durable, grippy, and even suited to easy dirt roads. All in all, the Brooks Ghost 13 is a good and comfortable running shoe, not necessarily very exciting but reliable.

The Asics Gel Kayano 27 is the model with the longest longevity in the Asics range with now 27 iterations to date. This classic was created by the product designer Toshikazu Kayano, who gave it his name. He is now retired, which says something about the age of this collection! So is the Kayano still worth the detour in 2020 or is it just a relic from another era? First of all, it should be noted that, though it hasn't lost weight (unfortunately), the shoe now has a more streamlined design to the point of resembling the Gel Cumulus 22. Thus, while still featuring as many technologies as before, it has a clean and compact design overall. The sole is relatively thin with 22 mm under the heel (24 mm for women) and 12 mm under the forefoot (11 mm for women). It features FlyteFoam and FlyteFoam Propel foams and GEL units for comfortable cushioning. According to the testers, the result is convincing without being really springy. Indeed, the Kayano is a stability shoe and, therefore, offers a traditional configuration that works to stabilize the foot while running to avoid overpronation. On this regard, the Dynamic DuoMax and the Space Trusttic technologies guide the foot softly. This will appeal to runners who are looking for a stability shoe that is not too strict. Therefore, the Kayano 27 is comfortable and stable with a secure foot lockdown. This configuration doesn't really shine during tempo sessions but is a solid choice for recovery training and long runs. Finally, the Kayano 27 is a sturdy shoe designed to last, which compensates a little for its high price tag. In summary, the Asics Gel Kayano 27 is a good stability shoe that offers a comfortable, robust and relatively flexible configuration.

A continuation of the beloved Boston series, the Adidas Adizero Boston 9 is a versatile daily trainer that can handle a fast pace. Based on feedback from testers, the 9 is one of those "all-around" running shoes that will come in suitable for nearly any type of training. The Boston 9 midsole uniquely combines Lightstrike and BOOST foams. However, quite a few runners voiced their dissatisfaction with this addition of Lightstrike, preferring the Boston line's previous midsoles designed with only BOOST padding. Nonetheless, even with the addition of Lightstrike, runners appreciated overall the responsiveness of the cushioning. They felt it was well suited for speed training. Then, runners unanimously described the upper as an improvement from former models, with enhanced breathability from its lightweight mesh material. The traction of the outsole was also described as a plus of the Boston 9. It features Continental rubber for a better grip on wet or slippery roads. Runners listed a few downsides of the Boston 9. First, the medium-high arch doesn't accommodate every foot shape. Second, the unusually-large design forces users to size down. The shoe's true white also reflects dirt and scuffs very quickly. Overall, the Boston 9 received high marks across the board as a great option for running 10k races and half-marathons, as the lightweight design of the shoe encourages quick turnover and fast paces. It's also praised for its durability, versatility, and even its affordable price. Given the fact that one of the only major downsides of the Boston 9 is its Lightstrike addition, we rank this shoe as a 9.3, making it a very very good option for hardcore athletes and casual runners alike!

The Saucony Switchback 2 has many new and exciting features while retaining the beloved elements of the original version. With its low stack height, low drop, flexible material, and dynamic PWWRUN midsole technology, the Switchback 2 is an interesting choice for trailers looking for a nice ground feel while running. The PWRRUN midsole that blends EVA and TPU contributes to a soft and yet bouncy ride, which runners noted was a significant upgrade to the shoe. This technology replaces the EVERUN midsole found in the original Switchback and makes the Switchback 2 a bit denser for added stability. The PWRRUN midsole, combined with a woven rock plate, protects the foot and keeps it secure. Despite the rock plate addition, the Switchback 2 still molds nicely to the terrain and makes each stride snappy. The shoe's sock-like upper provides added flexibility and comfort; however, some runners remarked that they could feel sharp rocks and pebbles. One unique feature of the Switchback 2 is its BOA side lacing system. While at first glance, this type of lacing may seem to inhibit foot security, runners remarked that it works. The shoe stays snug all over the foot, without individual pressure points, and can be adjusted with a quick twist of the BOA. In terms of grip, the medium-size lugs (3.5 mm) provide excellent traction on moderate terrains. Trailers were surprised by how effective they were in comparison to their shallow profile. Though the Switchback 2 received a lot of positive feedback from users, there were a few notable pitfalls of the shoe. For one, the fit is secure, but not locked-in enough to perform on more technical trails. The upper also lacks breathability and absorbs the sharp edges of rocks and other terrain debris. Runners also noted that the Switchback 2 isn't soft enough for long runs and may prove uncomfortable after a while if you're not used to low stack shoes. To summarize, the Saucony Switchback 2 is a good low stack/low drop trail running shoe best suited for moderate terrain and short to mid distances.

The Altra Escalante 2 is a zero drop road shoe with a limited cushioning. Indeed, it has a relatively thin sole (19 mm) and no drop between the heel and the toes. Altra's goal is to create shoes that respect the anatomy of the foot and the human body in general as much as possible. The Escalante 2 fulfils this role well by offering an excellent feeling under the foot for running sensations close to minimalism. The previous model had received some criticism for its flexibility, which kept the foot a bit loosely. It seems that Altra has addressed this point as the support is now stricter, which may or may not be to the liking of every runner. According to athletes who have tested the Escalante 2, it is a fairly firm road shoe overall. On the other hand, it is worth noting that the shoe has gained weight (40 grams more) while reducing the cushioning (4 mm less sole thickness) which is a bit surprising and disappointing. To summarize, the Altra Escalante 2 is a good road shoe but this new version reveals some important changes that might not please fans of the previous model.

The Topo Athletic Ultrafly 3 is comfortable stability shoe with moderate cushioning and roomy upper. Overall, runners have been quite pleased with this new model of the Ultrafly collection. While the stack height of the Ultrafly 3 has been increased by 2 mm, the shoe is actually even more lightweight than previously with 269 g/9.49 oz for men and 238 g/8.40 oz for women. The additional cushioning throughout really molds to the foot for added stability and comfort. Let's note here that the Ultrafly 3 is a stability shoe with a moderate level of correction for overpronation, which makes it suitable for all runners. Testers also greatly appreciated the fabulous upper-shoe padding and mesh design, which has been described as "transcendent". The shoe's toe box is also pleasantly roomy and pliable to accommodate a variety of foot types, setting it apart from running shoes with a narrow design that may be uncomfortable for those with wider feet. This is one of the signature characteristics of Topo Athletic who aims to craft simple, no-nonsense, and sturdy running shoes. Lastly, the tongue of the Ultrafly 3 is another superb aspect of the shoe's design, providing just enough cushioning to tighten laces for support without any discomfort or bulkiness. Also, this is one shoe you can trust to fit true to size. The only true complaint that users of the Ultrafly 3 voiced pertains to the overly-soft Zipfoam used in the design, which impedes the springiness of the ride. Otherwise, the Ultrafly 3 gets consistently good marks for its unparalleled upper shoe construction, well-cushioned midsole, and padded tongue that provides just enough comfort and security when lacing.

The Nike Revolution 5 is an entry-level road shoe with a stylish design. It offers a simple and functional configuration with a basic sole using rubber on the outside and EVA foam on the inside. The result is comfortable cushioning with all the responsive cushioning you need to have fun. The upper is also stripped down with a simple layer of knit. The ventilation is thus optimal but several runners have noted that the upper is unfortunately a little fragile. As you can see, the Nike Revolution 5 is a basic model that represents good value for money at around 50 pounds (60 dollars). Moreover, with 255 grams (men's version), it's a relatively lightweight model. It can be interesting to alternate with your main shoes during easy recovery workouts or to run at the gym on a treadmill. If you're looking for an inexpensive but slightly more advanced model, the Nike Legend React may also be a good choice.

The Mizuno Wave Ultima 11 is a road shoe that offers more cushioning than the brand's other flagship model, the Wave Rider 23. The Ultima 11 features a 32 mm thick outsole with a 12 mm heel to toe drop. Cushioning is comfortable and offers an excellent running feel. The shoe is versatile and, therefore, suitable for all types of workouts. It was the official shoe of the Amsterdam Marathon in 2019 and is therefore designed especially for long road distances. However, despite good general comfort, it's a rather heavy shoe with 320 grams for men and 265 grams for women. Also, the toe area is a bit tight and might not be suitable for runners with wide feet. All in all, the Mizuno Wave Ultima 11 is a good, comfortable, reliable, and versatile road shoe despite its stocky build.

The Garmin Vivoactive 4 is a versatile cardio GPS watch with a touchscreen. Its smartwatch approach puts it in direct competition with the Suunto, Fitbit trackers, and of course the Apple Watch. Originally, the Garmin Forerunner and Fenix watches were much more advanced technically and more imposing on the wrist, while the Vivofit watches were simpler, lighter, and sleeker. However, the line has become blurred over time: the Vivoactive watches have become more advanced technically while the Forerunner/Fenix models have improved their design and ergonomics. The Vivoactive 4 is a perfect example of this transformation: It's unmatched by Forerunner and Fenix to track running, but it's just as accurate in GPS and heart rate. What's more, its lower price and ease of use make it a great value for money for athletes who don't need the most advanced data to track their training progress. Finally, note that this new model makes it easy to synchronize your Deezer, Spotify Premium, and Amazon playlists. All in all, the Vivoactive 4 is for you if you're looking for a versatile watch with a touchscreen that offers excellent basic functions. If you need route guidance and advanced workout tips, then you might want to check out the Forerunner 645 Music.

A durable and sturdy mountain shoe for all-day use on the trails, the Topo Athletic MTN Racer is TA Ultraventure's sibling, but half an ounce lighter and more versatile. A true mountain shoe, the MTN Racer boasts excellent grip and sturdiness on the most technical of terrains. There seems to be no limit for how much ground it can cover! The MTN Racer's midsole features tri-density EVA, which means the shoe is both soft and firm in the appropriate areas. The foam is dense and stable for cradling the foot on technical terrains. However, it lacks the type of propulsion you would get from the average road shoe. For some runners, this was a deal-breaker: they felt that the missing "pop" of the shoe makes for a dull ride. Trailers described the MTN Racer's upper as "roomy" if lacking breathability with its nylon mesh fabric. The Vibram Megagrip outsole of the shoe aggressively handles all rocks, sharp turns, and debris that one might encounter on a technical trail. While the MTN Racer is undoubtedly great for regular (and long-distance) trail running, there are some pitfalls of the design. Testers listed the lack of upper breathability as a unanimous downside of the shoe and also remarked that the toe box curls up slightly. This means that the shoe is more likely to catch on roots and other protruding terrains, especially when runners get tired. Also, runners felt that the shoe didn't always protect effectively the foot from sharp obstacles despite its high stack cushioning. Lastly, the overall "pop" of the shoe was simply too lacking, even though the MTN Racer is a trail shoe designed to grip and protect rather than propel. Overall, the Topo Athletic MTN Racer is a good and reasonably priced trail shoe that can handle pretty much anything you throw at it. However, its dull ride and the lack of breathability of its upper prevent it from being outstanding.

The Asics Gel Pulse 11 is a comfortable and effective road shoe. It's in the mid-range of the Asics running shoe collection with a simple and sturdy build at an affordable price. This new version offers more padding with a stack height of 31 mm under the heel instead of 21 mm previously. Unfortunately, while the cushioning is more comfortable and will appeal to runners looking for good shock absorption, the downside is that the shoe is much heavier. It now weighs 322 grams for men and 272 grams for women, almost 100 grams more than the 10. The Gel Pulse 11 is a comfortable shoe overall, although it has a slightly narrow forefoot. The sole provides comfortable and responsive cushioning, especially with the help of its Gel. Then, the upper offers good lockdown while increasing airflow. In summary, the Asics Gel Pulse 11 is a good road running shoe, but its new configuration may be confusing for fans of previous models.

The On Cloudflow 2.0 is the 2020 version of the original Cloudflow. Engineered with an innovative design and updated features, the Cloudflow 2.0 is made for 5k, 10k, and even half-marathon races. A few noteworthy qualities of the Cloudflow 2.0 include its Helion super foam midsole, which promotes a snappy ride and a consistently smooth ride with its well-cushioned padding—perfect for ensuring optimal comfort on shorter runs. Additionally, the toe box is an ideal width for accommodating a range of foot sizes, from narrow to wide, and is purportedly quite airy due to its breathable upper mesh material. Runners remarked it was a clear step up from the original Cloudflow design. The outsole of the 2.0 has been updated, as well, offering improved traction for a better grip on wet roads. Runners who tried the Cloudflow 2.0 did report a few of the shoe's disadvantages, including a lack of support, faulty outsole design (rocks and debris lodge easily in the grooves), and even stated that the shoe's design caused some abrasions after running longer distances. However, for short-term use, training sessions, and short to moderate races, the 2.0 did not disappoint, offering runners a speed advantage, breathable fabric, and enhanced comfort with its Helion midsole padding. However, the On Cloudflow 2.0 may be a bit pricier than its performance warrants. The promise of superior quality due to the Swiss design of the shoe just doesn't seem to materialize in the Cloudflow 2.0. On a scale of 1-10, we rank this running shoe an 8.7 for its overall positive feedback and enhanced technology from the original Cloudflow design. Runners looking for long-wear shoes that will persevere on trails and longer distances, however, should consider other options.