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.

Renowned for its stylish sneakers, Puma is a bit of an underdog brand when it comes to running shoes. Big names like Nike and Asics usually dominate the field, with Puma regarded as a second-tier option. However, the Puma Deviate NITRO shoe is gaining traction and is the brand's continued attempt at a comeback. If Olympian marathon runner Molly Seidel is a Puma fan, after all, they must make a pretty solid shoe!

First things first: let's talk about the NITRO midsole. Nitrogen-infused with a noticeable bounce, the midsole foam is soft and responsive. The overall sensation is springy, with a natural "pop" that occurs through toe-off. The NITRO foam is layered around a carbon plate to increase responsiveness. There's also a TPU plate at the rear to compensate for the softness of the foam. Among the runners who tried the shoe, the midsole was definitely a hit. Many of them noted the versatility of the shoe that's suitable for daily runs and racing alike. Also, while many carbon-plated shoes are overly stiff, the NITRO is quite soft.

The upper of the shoe generated positive feedback, with the general agreement that its mesh fabric is highly breathable. The design also accommodates wider feet, which will be a plus for some runners. For the NITRO model's outsole, Puma uses a rubber compound they call PUMAGRIP, which runners agree gets the job done. Even when running in wet or slippery conditions, PUMAGRIP offers enough traction for a successful ride.

While the Deviate NITRO may be a suitable option for long-distance runners, some users noted some technical problems with the shoe. One of the biggest issues reported was frequent heel slipping, which irritated even through thicker socks. Additionally, the NITRO doesn't always feel the most stable—likely due to the shoe's high stack (32 mm heel height) combined with the soft NITRO foam. Even with the laces tightened, a few runners reported an overall jolty ride due to a lack of stability.

Ultimately, the Deviate NITRO is no gold medalist but may perform perfectly well for you based on your running goals. It's especially suitable for runners looking for a carbon-plate model for their daily workouts. Also, its fairly standard price point makes it a good bang for your buck.

Don't have time to read the full review analysis? Here's what you need to know.

With the success of the Adios Pro, Adidas has decided to turn the Boston 10 into a complementary shoe for daily training. Following the current shoe trends, the stack height reaches 39 mm under the heel for comfortable, maximalist cushioning. There's Lightstrike Pro foam that replaces Boost for softer cushioning, especially under the toes, plus the original Lightstrike foam.

The Boston 10 also features a rockered design and the EnergyRods blades, so popular on the Adios, for quick transitions. Testers note that the ride is pleasant and provides good stability, even if the bounce is limited.

The mesh uses recycled materials (up to 50%) and ensures targeted foot support with a performance fit. Also, the Continental rubber is as effective as ever in extending the life of the Adizero Boston and providing a perfect grip on urban and dirt roads.

However, despite this ambitious total revamp, the Adizero Boston 10 disappoints due to its weight (288 g/10.2 oz) and lack of versatility: it's ideal for long runs at a moderate pace but less so for high-speed tempo runs or recovery runs at slower paces.

All in all, the Boston 10 is a very good maximalist running shoe, sturdy and comfortable for long distances but not versatile enough.

Please read our full Adidas Adizero Boston 10 review analysis for more information.

The Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 is a moderate stability shoe that uses Enerzy foam and a double fan wave plate for a bouncy and responsive ride.

The highlight (like with most Mizuno models) is its sturdy build with a grippy and firm rubber outsole that can easily last hundreds of miles. Also, besides roads of all conditions, it makes it possible to venture on easy dirt roads.

Like the Rider 25, the Inspire 17 features the latest foam technology of the brand: Enerzy. It acts as a heel wedge to cushion the foot, making for an overall softer ride (compared to previous versions) while remaining on the firm side.

For runners who require a bit more support, the design of the Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 offers a secure ride. It's a great shoe for stability control and provides a snug fit with medial side and lateral side support. Moreover, Mizuno's improved TPU Wave Plate and geometry provide a good balance between bounce and stability.

As with the previous versions, the main criticism of the shoe is its weight. Although Mizuno kept the Inspire below 300 g/10.6 oz, it’s heavier than the Inspire 16, making it clunky for uptempo work.

All in all, the Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 is a very good support shoe that provides a stable and fun ride while delivering on the signature durability of the Japanese brand.

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.

The Nike Air Zoom Winflo 6 is a stability road shoe. This 2019 version embraces the bold new tapered design of the Nike running shoe range. The shoe looks just like the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 except for its much heavier weight: 312 grams for men and 255 grams for women. Indeed, the Winflo 6 has stability features that make it somewhat heavier. It should be noted that the effectiveness of this type of correction in reducing the risk of injury is not proven by science (read our article for more information). These stability technologies can nevertheless be comfortable in some cases, which is the most important criterion when choosing running shoes. Overall, the Nike Air Zoom Winflo 6 offers great comfort which can make it a shoe of choice if you find the support of the Pegasus insufficient. It's a versatile shoe that will suit all types of workouts. In short, a very good road shoe for runners who are looking to stabilise their overpronation.

In case you missed the buzz a few months ago, Atreyu Running is a new company that proposes affordable and straightforward running shoes. You can purchase them as a one-off or subscribe to their program, where you receive a new pair every couple of months. So, with that out of the way, let's find out how their base model fares.

The Atreyu Voyager, the base model of the brand, designed for daily runs, comes with an affordable price tag and colorful hues. The midsole of the Atreyu running shoe is classically made and uses the low-density EVA of running shoes past. Flex grooves and cutouts in the outsole mingle with the midsole. Runners can easily go for medium-long runs with this versatile shoe, which works for slower recovery days and high-energy tempo runs. The upper is simple but effective—no unnecessary weight is added to the design (the shoe only weighs 6 oz/170 g!), and it molds nicely to the runner's foot. Lastly, the midsole-outsole combination provides excellent traction for successfully gripping the road.

One downside of Atreyu's base model is that its light and fast design means less support for the foot than other shoes with more advanced features. The lightness of the shoe, however, may be worth the trade-off for some runners. In the same vein, users remarked that an attached tongue could have worked wonders for better foot support. This shoe also has a relatively short life of an estimated 150-200 miles, max. That said, the price tag places Atreyu at the cheaper end of the market, making the mileage limitations worth it.

With its colorful, simplistic design, classic midsole, and affordable price, Atreyu's base model is a solid choice that challenges the status quo. Perhaps the next model may offer a bit more protection, as well as improved durability, but the Austin-based company is already off to a great start!

The Japanese brand continues to re-imagine its great classics to make them more sleek and modern. Thus, after the Nimbus Lite, here's the Asics Gel Kayano Lite, a new version of the famous stability shoe worn by generations of overpronators.

What strikes immediately, besides the flashy colors, is the more streamlined design of the shoe. It weighs 1 oz/28 g less than the Kayano 27, and this is felt, according to the testers. This model is still intended for overpronation, but it offers a more discreet correction: stability is ensured by the wide platform rather than by a hard piece that locks-in the foot in the shoe to prevent it from rolling. According to the testers, this makes the Kayano Lite suitable for more people, including runners without pronation problems.

The sole has a stack height of 31 mm under the heel (33 mm for women), and 21 mm under the forefoot (10 mm heel to toe drop for men and 12 mm for women) but uses a single density foam supplemented by a GEL unit in the front. Cushioning is comfortable overall, but testers noted that the shoe requires a break-in period to really reveal its full potential. Indeed, the platform is firm and rigid at first, but it gets better after a few runs. However, even after that, the cushioning is far from snappy, making the Kayano Lite a shoe primarily designed for daily workouts at slow to moderate speed.

As for the rest, the upper is simple and offers a great snug, plush, and effective foot lockdown. Some runners found the laces and tongue a bit inconvenient, but overall the fit is near perfect. The same goes for the outsole: covered with large rubber pieces, it provides good traction and makes the platform durable. Let's also praise Asics' efforts in sustainability: the upper and midsole mainly use ecological materials.

To summarize, the Asics Gel Kayano Lite is a very good running shoe that offers a stable, modern, lighter, and environmentally friendly configuration. Only its initial stiffness and somewhat dull cushioning disappoint a little.

Don't have time to read the full review? Here's what you need to know.

The Asics Novablast 2 is a very good daily trainer. It builds on the good base of the Asics Novablast 1 and fine-tuned it to improve its surprisingly fun, soft, and bouncy configuration (especially in comparison to other traditional Asics running shoes).

The Asics Novablast 2 is a little heavier than the previous model but also more stable. The FF Blast foam delivers a very good, lively ride with a lot of ease and fluidity while the AHARPLUS outsole makes the shoe durable.

It has a medium stack height (30 mm under the heel) and moderate heel-to-toe drop of 8 mm, which is more versatile than the 10 mm of the previous version. Heavier than the Novablast 1, the Asics Novablast 2 remains in the sub-9.9 oz/280 g category, which is reasonable for daily running.

Their grip is good on the road and easy dry dirt trails but proves more tricky on wet surfaces. The soft ride of the shoe feels great, especially at intermediate paces, where this model shows its full potential.

In the opinion of many runners, it's a comfortable and reliable trainer for everyday use as a beginner or experienced runner that also works well for recovery days. However, its narrow platform doesn't make it an ideal choice for runners with overpronation.

Please read our complete review analysis of the Asics Novablast 2 for more information.