The Saucony Triumph 18 is the ultimate everyday trainer with comfortable cushioning and an upper that fits most runners. With a 33 mm stack height under the heel (25 mm under the forefoot), the Triumph 18 is one of Saucony's most cushioned shoes. It now features PWRRUN+ foam, which gives a soft cushioning that comfortably absorbs shocks without being too soft. The shoe provides good stability, so the high-stack cushioning does not reduce balance while running. Overall, the runners found the cushioning lively but not bouncy by any means. Unfortunately, this reduces the versatility of the shoe: it's pleasant during daily training at low or medium speed but not for speed workouts (e.g., tempo, interval). However, on the plus side, testers note that this new model has the advantage of having a smaller heel than previously for better stability and offers smoother transitions. Then, the upper is still excellent with a comfortable and effective foot lockdown. The engineered mesh is relatively thick while remaining breathable. However, given the extra weight of this new version (over 300 g/11 oz) and the natural stability of its platform, testers wondered if such a thick and elaborate mesh was essential. Finally, there is the new XT-900 (carbon) rubber on the outsole, which provides a good grip and protects the shoe from wear and tear. To summarize, the Saucony Triumph 18 is a very good running shoe that will delight runners looking for a well-cushioned shoe for regular training and long runs. However, if you want a snappy shoe to run fast, then its heavyweight and lack of springe may not be ideal.

The third model of the very successful Endorphin collection is a tempo running shoe: the Speed. Complementing the Endorphin Shift (trainer) and Endorphin Pro (versatile with carbon plate), this shoe stands out for its snappy ride at fast paces. Its neon hues and fun design also make it a very appealing shoe. The Speed's midsole is one of the most notable features of this model. Made with PEBA-based PWRRUN PB cushioning, Saucony claims that this material offers an explosive energy return. This high-stack shoe (33 mm under the heel, 25 mm under the forefoot) also features a full-length, S-curved nylon plate, and SpeedRoll geometry to provide a smooth and comfortable transition from heel to toes. Testers unanimously enjoyed the ride, but with one caveat: you have to run fast as the shoe is a bit too harsh at slow paces. The Speed is noticeably much lighter than the Endorphin Shift, giving it a more weightless feel. Runners remarked that the upper of the Speed is particularly excellent, with FORMFIT technology that enhances comfort and breathability. Meanwhile, the outsole contributes to the propulsion of the shoe, engineered with durable rubber that grips terrain and stabilizes the foot. Those who tried the Speed commented on a few drawbacks of the design. The rear and plate of the shoe, though cushioned, proved a bit too firm for some runners. However, this rigidity lessened overtime. Runners also questioned the price point of the Speed, which is $40 less than its Pro counterpart but doesn't offer the same versatility and comfort. The Speed is a great tempo shoe, meaning that it works well for interval or tempo runs, but it is not a daily trainer. Runners searching for running shoes suitable for all workouts will prefer the Pro over the Shift. Overall, the Saucony Endorphin Pro is a very good running shoe with comfortable and responsive cushioning for fast running, even though its firmness may not be to the liking of everyone.

The Brooks Cascadia 15 is a versatile trail shoe prized by ultra-trail star Scott Jurek. This new model capitalises on the previous version that brought a breath of fresh air to the Cascadia collection. We find a platform as comfortable and versatile as ever equipped with the TrailTack sole and its multidirectional studs. The grip is impeccable on all types of terrains. The main change resides in the upper: there is a new mesh more tightly woven than before, reminiscent of the Caldera 4. This provides better protection even if the ventilation is slightly affected. The upper provides excellent foot lockdown while still being loose enough to be comfortable, especially for the toes. Regarding the cushioning, we find a moderately thick sole with a 24 mm full stack-height under the heel and an 8 mm drop. The midsole offers a good ground feeling, slightly firm, while effectively absorbing shocks. However, testers note that it lacks a bit of bounce and responsiveness to be really fun for speed workouts. In other words, comfort is there, but a little more bounce would be much appreciated. Nevertheless, the shoe has the advantage of being stable. It incorporates a system of pivot points (Pivot Posts) that provides good support, especially downhill. In summary, the Brooks Cascadia 15 is a very good trail shoe that combines comfort, protection, grip and durability but that misses a snappier bounce.

The Mizuno Wave Rider 24 has become a household running name. It's a shoe that has remained relatively constant over the years, especially with its Wave plate, which can be considered the ancestor of modern carbon plates. However, this twenty-fourth version has a major new feature: the Mizuno Enerzy foam. Without replacing the famous U4ic, it complements it and softens the ride of the shoe with its greater flexibility. Thus, while the Mizuno Wave Rider has always had the reputation of being firm, the MWR24 is more forgiving. Overall, runners appreciated the cushioning, noting a good balance between cushioning and bounce. However, some complained about the Mizuno Wave plate, which, according to them, "is useless and makes the shoe heavier." On this subject, let's note that the Wave Rider 24's weight is reasonable, with 281 g (9.9 oz) for men and 232 g (8.2 oz) for women. Secondly, the new Air Mesh was also very well received. Testers note that it marks a clear improvement over the Waveknit mesh that Mizuno has been pushing in recent years on some of its models. The mesh is thick while ensuring good airflow in the shoe. Besides, the upper uses fewer overlays without reducing the effectiveness of the lockdown. Finally, the outsole is equipped with carbon rubber in certain areas to improve traction and protect the shoe. On this last point, runners were a bit disappointed: they note that the unprotected parts (made of exposed foam) tend to wear quickly. In summary, the Mizuno Wave Rider 24 makes great strides (pun intended) with a new, slightly softer cushioning and an improved, more comfortable upper—a very good model for daily training.

The Hoka Arahi 5 is a support running shoe geared for daily workouts. This latest model comes with a significantly improved fit that hugs feet and delivers optimal support. According to runners, the difference between the 4 and the 5 is huge—and there are several reasons why.

First, let's start with the shoe's midsole, which lends itself to a stable yet supremely comfortable ride. While the Arahi 4 and 5 feature comparable midsoles, runners noted that the 5 offers a bit more padding with the same drop and stack height. The ride is still on the firm side and the bounce minimal, though the Meta-Rocker Geometry allows smooth transitions.

The new and improved upper design—arguably the shoe's selling point—is fast-drying, supportive, and secure. Compared with the Arahi 4, which runners complained was a bit too voluminous, the 5 feels like a more streamlined experience. What's more, the targeted fit doesn't make the shoe more narrow—it's still suitable for runners with wider feet. Finally, the shoe's outsole is built for durability and performs in wet weather and on steep slopes alike. While the A5 is a road running shoe, it's suitable for easy dirt tracks.

Overall, the Arahi 5 may be a great daily trainer for runners who value distance over speed. Because it's a stability shoe, it's not designed for races or speed work. However, the potential for a faster pace still exists!

Ultimately, Hoka hit it right with this new version. The 5 is a practical, reliable, and attractive road shoe with long-term potential—built to accommodate distance and stability.

The Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 6 is a lightweight trail shoe that offers a good balance between ground feeling and protection. Let's say it right away: this new version brings few fundamental changes after the thorough redesign of the previous model. If you liked the Kiger 5, you will not be disappointed by the K6. It features a dynamic and versatile cushioning that's ideal for tempo-style speed sessions on trails. The shoe offers good shock absorption without isolating the foot from the ground. With a stack height of 24 mm under the heel, cushioning is therefore moderate. However, it should be noted that some runners have found the heel particularly rigid which can be disconcerting given the flexibility of the forefoot. Then, traction is always very good on trails of medium technical difficulty. The moderately deep lugs give a good grip, especially in the mud. The non-slip rubber triangle in the middle of the outsole divides runners: some find it effective while others would prefer lugs as on the rest of the sole. Finally, the main change is in the upper. The support is now more precise without being strict. In addition, the toe box is also more spacious for more comfort. In summary, the Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 6 is a very good trail shoe that still offers a great ride for daily training. PROS

Crafted specifically for taking on tough mountain trails, the Merrell MTL Skyfire is the perfect shoe for higher elevations and shorter running stints on uphill terrains. Its lightweight design (9 oz./242 g) coupled with its great traction and breathable fabric makes the MTL Skyfire an extremely prudent choice for off-trail runners. Its stack dimensions are 23.5mm/17.5mm, with a drop of 6mm and lugs of 5 mm, to provide the best possible running conditions on rocky slopes. Runners who have tried the MTL Skyfire remarked that the sneaker was bouncy, comfortable, and provided a smooth running experience, though there is some discrepancy regarding adequate cushioning, which tends to be a stronger preference for female runners than male runners, according to recent studies. Runners have also stated that the MTL Skyfire is highly breathable, but that this design comes with the pitfall of absorbing a significant amount of moisture straight through to the foot on wet trails, or in rainy weather. MTL Skyfire users have also commented on the narrowness of the sneaker design, which is likely intentional to provide a snug fit for added security on rocky trails. This may make the shoe a great option for runners with narrow to medium feet but may prove too tight for runners with wider feet. For best results, runners who tried the MTL Skyfire recommend tying the laces as tightly as possible for added heel and ankle protection, though this may be unsustainable and prove to be too uncomfortable for longer runs. Note that while the Merrell MTL Skyfire is ideal for shorter running sessions, cross- country runners will likely do better with the sneaker's companion, the Long Sky. Runners were also a big fan of the Merrell MTL Skyfire's reasonable price of only $100, which is relatively budget-friendly compared with other sneaker brands of the same high caliber. Overall, the Merrell MTL Skyfire is a very good running shoe for off-trail, short-distance runners looking for a snug fit, lightweight design, above-average traction, and a great overall value! Longer-distance runners, or those who prefer a bit of extra cushioning, will do well to consider the brand's Long Sky option as an alternative.

Nike expands its trail collection (which already includes the Wildhorse and Terra Kiger) with this second Pegasus Trail model. Rather than a direct successor of the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Trail released in 2019, the Pegasus Trail 2 appears as a combo of various recent Nike models like the Vaporfly and the Turbo 2. For example, the React foam now equips the entire sole (there are no more Zoom Air units). The stack is relatively high with 31 mm under the heel and 21 mm under the forefoot. The midsole is soft but the rubber of the outsole compensates with its firmness which prevents the cushioning from being overly soft. Trailers have been impressed by the comfort and bounce of the cushioning. They also found it to be very versatile, i.e. suitable for all paces and terrains. Besides, even without the rock plate, they did not feel any pain after several hours of running. The only negative point would be the lack of stability on uneven surfaces due to the softness of the cushioning. Combined with the flexible upper, this somewhat limits the effectiveness of the shoe on very technical terrains that require a secure balance and precise foot lockdown. The upper is made of a solid mesh with a small rubber toe cap at the front. It's well ventilated to allow the foot to breathe during the effort. The toe box is relatively wide but some runners found it a little low. However, they note that this problem disappears over time as the mesh loosens. There is also a 'faux' (integrated) gaiter to better protect the foot as on the Wildhorse. Finally, the grip is also very good thanks to the rubber outsole and its wide lugs of medium depth (about 3 mm). The traction can come up a bit short on very soft mud and compact snow but allows you to also run on the road, which is ideal if you like to alternate. Overall, the Nike Pegasus Trail 2 is a very good, comfortable, and versatile trail shoe with responsive cushioning to have fun on most terrains.

The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v11 is a running shoe for daily training with generous cushioning. Considering the success of the v10, the American brand could have just decided not to take any risks and make only a few changes to this new version. For the most part, it did, except for one important detail that divides runners.

Let's start with what hasn't changed: the sole and its Fresh Foam X foam. The stack height is 30 mm under the heel and 22 mm under the forefoot (8 mm drop). The cushioning is still firm, although some testers note that the forefoot is slightly softer. Striking the right balance between firmness and softness is always a subtle balancing act, and NB continues on the middle path to reconcile the two as much as possible. If you liked the previous model's cushioning, you will undoubtedly like the one of the v11! Also, some runners note that this configuration has the advantage of being slightly more responsive. This makes the 1080 v11 particularly suitable for daily training and long distances as well as faster tempo sessions. The only downside is that some runners didn't find the shoe pleasant at slow paces because of the heel's harshness. A versatile model overall then, except perhaps for recovery runs.

The rubber-covered outsole (soft under the forefoot, firmer under the heel) is sturdy and provides good grip. Nothing else to say on this front, and that's a good thing.

Things get complicated with the upper. The front part is flawless—the toe bumper even goes lower over the toes, which takes some pressure off and gives more space. Besides, the Hypoknit mesh is breathable despite its thickness, which makes the shoe comfortable even on warmer days. Unfortunately, the back part of the upper is not as convincing. It seems that New Balance slightly changed the design of its Ultra Heel and several testers experienced discomfort or even pain in the Achilles tendon as a result. It's far from ideal, and it's difficult to know in advance if you will have the same issues without trying the shoes. For this reason, it may be wise to stick to the v10 for now (it's cheaper anyway!). Finally, one of the previous versions' issues is still there: the midfoot fit is still a little tight, which may be uncomfortable if you have wide feet.

In summary, the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v11 is a very good, versatile, and sturdy running shoe, ideal for daily training. However, a seemingly minor change at the heel counter ruined comfort for some testers. Hopefully, NB will address this point in the next iteration and confirm the 1080's edge in the cushioned trainer category.

The Hoka Challenger ATR is the comfy trail running shoe for your long Sunday runs on easy trails where you take the time to smell the flowers. This sixth version uses the same formula with a new improved upper.

The new engineered mesh is not only good looking and nicely fitting, it also uses recycled plastic, which is a step in the right direction sustainability wise. Some people found the ATR 5's mesh a little too loose around the midfoot, and Hoka fixed it with the 6. The lockdown is rather tight but pleasant and breathable. However, some runners with wide feet described the toe box as a bit narrow, so be careful if you have experienced such issues in the past.

Then, the CMEVA midsole with a stack height of 29 mm under the heel and 5 mm drop gives a soft cushioning that has the advantage of comfortably absorbing shocks but reduces the ground feel. It also seems that the front part is not very flexible, according to some trail runners. Fortunately, the Meta-Rocker brings a slight bounce to the platform for a smooth ride overall.

According to the testers, the grip is, as on the previous models, satisfactory but a little light for technical terrains such as mud or rocks. Thus, stability is not always optimal, especially since the platform is not so wide. The Hoka Torrent 2 or the Speedgoat 4 seem to be the best choices if you have tough trails in mind or an ultramarathon with many different layouts. Finally, in terms of durability, the outsole showed signs of wear after just a few runs on rocky terrains for some users. It's not necessarily a massive problem since the Challenger is not primarily intended for this type of terrain, but it's not reassuring either.

To summarize, the Challenger ATR 6 is a very good choice for long easy runs. Its versatile and comfortable configuration makes it suitable for moderate trails and even allows you to venture out on the road. We recommend it to rest your feet from more technically advanced footwear.

The Hoka One One Carbon X was the first shoe of the brand to feature a carbon plate. One year later, Hoka persists and signs with this resolutely firm model despite some signs of softening.

First of all, we must put the Carbon X 2 in the context of 2020. After the rush for carbon footwear in 2018/2019, the novelty stage has passed. We are now spoilt for choice, with every major brand offering at least one carbon-fiber plate model. In this regard, the weight of the Carbon X 2 is in the high range with 239 g/8.4 oz (men's model). In comparison, the Adidas Adios Pro weighs 224 g/7.9 oz and the Nike Alphafly 229 g/8.0 oz despite their high stack height close to 40 mm.

The Hoka Carbon X 2 offers a thinner sole than before with 32 mm for men and 30 mm for women under the heel with a 5 mm drop. The cushioning of the PROFLY X midsole and its CMEVA foam is softer but remains firm overall. The carbon plate, which was very stiff on the first model, is also a bit more flexible, which gives a smooth but less propulsive ride than before, according to the testers. Also, the softer cushioning reduces the ground feel. Overall, this slight configuration change provides greater comfort and versatility for longer runs.

Next, the upper remains very similar to the first model, but with a new sleek flared heel. It was well-received overall, especially because of its padding that locks-in the heel comfortably in the shoe. Besides, the mesh is a little thicker, which makes it more resistant than before. The result is a tighter lockdown. The testers praised this improvement, noting that it makes the shoe more suitable for racing. Finally, the wide, foam-rich "Swallow Tail" heel adds stability. It's specially designed for runners who heel strike (the majority) and provides more comfortable cushioning upon landing. However, if you forefoot or midfoot strike, the benefit may be minimal, and the bulky piece may even weigh you down for nothing.

When it comes to durability, the rubberized foam of the outsole is frankly not ideal for high-mileage runners. For example, some users have noticed wear signs after about 250 km/155 mi, which is not great considering the shoe's price. Unfortunately, it's often the case with this type of shoe.

In summary, the Hoka Carbon X 2 remains true to the first model with a firm and springy cushioning that lends itself well to long distances. However, the shoe seduces without impressing, and its durability limits its versatility. In other words, it lacks this WOW factor to instantly turn heads. Hoka fans, go for it! For others, take the time to compare with other carbon-fiber plate shoes to determine what suits you best.

There's no shame in overpronating. Many runners do. And while science has never been able to prove that support shoes can reduce the risk of injury, there are still around, and many like them. Unfortunately, most of them are overbuilt and bulky and a little difficult to ignore on the feet due to their heavyweight. Luckily, technological progress has been able to reduce the weight of support features tremendously. With its 281 g/9.9 oz, the Asics GT 2000 9 is a great example of this evolution.

Little sister of the Asics Gel Kayano 27, the GT 2000 9 offers a lighter configuration to avoid overpronation. The sole is 29 mm thick under the heel with an offset of 10 mm. The cushioning comfortably absorbs shocks, especially with the combination of foam (FlyteFoam) and GEL pads. The technical nature of Asics running shoes is not to everyone's liking with their convoluted configuration. Still, the result is there: testers praise the cushioning for daily training with stability support that does the job, but without being too intrusive. This makes the shoe suitable for (moderate) overpronators and neutral runners alike. Of course, the rebound is mild, to say the least, but this is not the purpose of this shoe, which offers good flexibility otherwise.

The lockdown is also very effective thanks to a well-fitting upper, especially in the midfoot section. The jacquard mesh is dense and thick but offers good ventilation of the foot overall. The only real critique of this shoe, pointed out by several runners, is the thick tongue, which is definitely too long and bulky to be pleasant or practical.

Finally, the carbon rubber (AHAR) that generously covers the outsole is very sturdy and shows no signs of wear and tear even after many runs, according to testers. It's a quality to be appreciated in the age of "rubberized foams," which are softer but much less durable.

All in all, the Asics GT 2000 9 continues to impress as a very good and reliable lightweight support shoe for overpronation. An interesting alternative for those who find the Kayano too restrictive and overbuilt.