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.

Think rocky terrain. Imagine wet weather or crossing a creek in the woods. Picture maneuvering over and around rocks and tree roots. Does any of this sound like you? If so, the Merrell MQM Flex 2.0 GTX is designed for outdoor enthusiasts like you! Fitting snuggly enough to support your feet and providing waterproof protection against the elements, the Flex 2 does it all. From hiking to trail running, this is one shoe that's versatile enough for any adventure.

When it comes to the midsole, the Flex 2.0 is cushioned to absorb shock. In fact, the shoe is crafted with a rock plate between the midsole and outsole to protect feet better. With FLEXconnect technology for enhanced agility and the tried and true Merrell Air Cushion in the heel for proper foot alignment, this midsole is a hiker's dream. Meanwhile, the upper is a waterproof mesh, which means that your foot can breathe without absorbing outside moisture. The shoe's wide tongue supports this design, as it's attached to the sides of the upper for added protection. Finally, the Quantum Grip outsole grips terrain and helps control footing, especially when hiking downhill.

Though users of the Flex 2.0 listed its versatility as a plus, some complained that the shoe was too versatile. Basically, in catering to a range of trail activities, the shoe is not specialized or technical enough. Some users remarked that the Flex 2.0 fell short on longer or more complex hikes, where more rigidity would have been useful. Others noticed that the toe box is very narrow, posing a problem for those with wider feet. However, those who enjoy recreational trail runs and hikes may find that the Flex 2.0 is exactly what they need!

Note that the Flex 2.0 comes with GTX (Gore-Tex) technology, or without. GTX is what makes this model waterproof, which adds a significant price jump to an otherwise standard shoe. Users who tested GTX said it worked well for light rain but would not work in unpredictable weather. Thus, the price may not warrant the "waterproof" delineation.

The MQM Flex 2.0 is available for $110, making it a cost-effective option for short, easy hikes. The GTX version of the 2.0 is priced at $140, which is probably better skipped.

In short, the lightweight and versatile profile of the Merrell MQM Flex 2.0 makes it a good option for trail runners who moonlight as hikers or the other way around.

Luxury by Asics: comfortable but expensive shoes! The Asics Gel Kinsei 6 is a road running shoe that is known for its high cushioning with its Gel midsole units. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the sole is relatively thin with 21 mm under the heel. On the whole, they are very comfortable and are well suited for all types of training. The Kinsei is particularly adapted to long distances thanks to its durability and the effective foot support it provides. Asics' reputation for quality is well established and the Kinsei 6 Gel is, unsurprisingly, very durable. One may only regret the rather high price and the extraordinary weight in comparison to the thinness of the sole (almost 350 grams for the men's version). In short, the main advantage of Kinsei 6 Gel is its comfort, which has seduced many runners over the years. It's up to you to see whether this justifies the somewhat exorbitant price of this luxury model from Asics.

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!

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 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.

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.

The Hoka Bondi is one of those shoes that popularized the brand with its massive high-stack sole that offers soft and comfortable cushioning. The seventh model in the series continues this trend with little change from the previous version.

The sole is slightly thinner with now 33 mm under the heel for men and 31 mm for women. The drop remains low at 4 mm. The sole uses a simple and efficient configuration: EVA foam combined with Hi-Abrasion rubber on some important areas of the outsole to protect the shoe and improve grip.

The testers found this configuration comfortable while noting a lack of bounce and flexibility. Indeed, the platform doesn't flex with the movement of the foot. Also, the shoe is rather heavy with 323 g/11.4 oz for men, 252 g/8.9 oz for women, which doesn't help for speed training that requires good agility (e.g. tempo runs). Thus, the Bondi 7 is primarily intended for daily workouts and recovery runs. Some testers even said that they liked this shoe but for walking...

As for the rest, the upper offers fits well and effectively locks down the foot. The mesh is denser than before while still allowing some airflow.

In short, the Hoka Bondi 7 is a good road running shoe with comfortable cushioning but it lacks some 'pop' and flexibility to be remarkable. To be honest, the Bondi seems like an aging collection that, in 2020, is struggling to compete with shoes that are as cushioned but much more responsive.