Best neutral cushioned shoes

Saucony Triumph ISO 4

A real contender for the best cushion shoe on the market right now. Excellent at each level, from upper to midsole to outsole. A new full-length Everun midsole chews up miles easily out of the box, and the E-TPU compound holds its durability superbly. 90 + miles into the wear test and they are still superb. Just be warned, the new midsole may not suit the heavier runner as much as the previous midsole as it’s a lot softer than the Triumph ISO 3.

Positive

• A superb stretchy ISOFIT upper
• A full length Everun outsole
• An amazing update to an already good shoe

Negative

• Midsole may not be firm enough for the slightly heavier runner.

Brooks Ghost 10

A cushioned, neutral, traditional feeling shoe. They have a wide fit and respond nicely when you drive off from your toes. The 12mm ride height means that they might be particularly good for the older or heavier runner.

Positive

• Soft cruiser
• Smooth ride

Negative

• Not a fast feeling shoe

Nike Epic React

Nike’s most important shoe for some time. The new midsole foam delivers everything it promises. The shoe is very versatile; capable of extremely comfortable long-distance runs as well as being light and responsive enough for fast running longer distances racing. With nike claiming no durability issues, this might actually be great value for money!

Positive

• React foam works and delivers a fantastic ride
• Sock-like upper adds to the experience
• Extremely versatile due to bulk and lightweight

Negative

• Possibly too tight for the wider foot
• Question mark over outsole wear?

Mizuno Wave Sky 2

Slightly firmer, responsive Mizuno cushioning that gives as much energy back as you put into it. The new exaggerated Wave Plate is a real winner and the Wave Sky 2 is now a credible alternative to the Mizuno Wave Rider 22 for runners wanting maximum cushioning with that legendary responsive feel.

Positive

• New enhanced Wave Plate gives considerable extra spring
• Supple upper with great midfoot AeroHug security
• Forefoot cushioning is superb

Negative

• The removable PU feeling sockliner is far too heavy
• Maybe not enough lug for real versatility

Hoka Bondi 5

The cushioning is incredible and as always this is the kind of shoe runners looking for protection should consider.

Lightweight causing machine will look after you on long runs and even longer races. Low heel drop though might not suit some.

Positive

• Surprisingly light
• Good Traction
• Cushioning

Negative

• Tight toebox
• Sizes about a half size small
• Price

Best off-road shoes

Brooks Cascadia 12

The Brooks Cascadia 12 is a robust, smooth riding trail shoe designed to take on the elements. A great off-road shoe offers cushioning, responsiveness in a stable and grippy package.

Positive

• Smooth ride
• Grip
• Stable feeling midsole

Negative

• Some will say colours!
• Could be too narrow for very wide feet

Salomon Speedcross 4 Nocturne GTX

The GTX is a waterproof trail running shoe designed for a neutral foot motion, ideal for off-road training or adventure racing. The GTX is all about tackling challenging conditions comfortably and in control.

Positive

• Waterproof Protection
• Light weight
• Grip

Negative

• Not good on-road

Saucony Peregrine 7

Low-profile every day off-roader, The Peregrine 7 has a light weight and racy feel. The Peregrine 7 is Saucony's long time off-roader and provides a comfortable and protected ride. A nice shoe to use at pace across a variety of terrains.

Positive

• Good breathability
• Nice, cushioned fit
• The shoe has a good feel to it

Negative

• Not great on really extreme trail

Hoka Challenger ATR 3

This versatile off-roader is comfortable over any distance. Smooth riding and responsive, the ATR 3 is a very comfortable long-distance cruiser and a short-session superstar due to its lightweight versatility.

Positive

• Lightweight
• Cushioning
• Well made

Negative

• Might struggle on very muddy terrains.
• It might be too narrow for very wide feet

On Running Cloudventure Peak

Mixes response and cushioning with protection to make it one of the fastest trail runners on the market. You can mix and match all day long and probably go a fair distance doing it.

Positive

• All round ability
• Cushioning
• Look great

Negative

• Good but perhaps not for extreme conditions

Best competition shoes

Nike Epic React

See our cushioned shoes section for details. These are the hottest new release and a much anticipated new technology from Nike.

Saucony Kinvara 9

An evolution of the 8 decent previous models, the Saucony Kinvara 9 has been refined slightly but retains its status as a leading firm and responsive neutral racer/trainer. The Kinvara 9 is one of the lightest mileage shoes available, and more than capable of handling longer (20K+ runs) but light enough to handle your speed work. In my opinion the best Kinvara so far!

Positive

• An almost seamless upper
• An amazing Marathon shoe
• One of the lightest training shoe on the market

Negative

• With a 4mm drop it may put off some heel strikers

On Running Cloudflow

A lightweight shoe that is great for racing or training off-road, it can mix racing with a fair amount of everyday road mileage. Easy to get on with from the very first run.

Positive

• Light and very cushioned

Negative

• Picks up rocks and stones too easily
• Not much support

New Balance Zante V4

This is a neutral training shoe that is fast and snappy underfoot, and urges you to go faster. The Zante V4 is a big improvement on the previous versions, and is now a little softer underfoot, and slightly lighter thanks to a new upper.

Positive

• Feels light and fast on foot for a training shoe
• Cushioning is much improved from previous version
• It’s a simple shoe, executed in a solid package

Negative

• The upper is a little restrictive in the midfoot area

Brooks Launch 5

Neutral, lightweight and versatile. Simple and brilliant for it, the Launch 5 delivers a great lightweight responsive ride. This is a high-performance shoe that offers exceptional value for money.

Positive

• Fit
• Comfort
• Value for money

Negative

• We would be being picky

Best support shoes

Saucony Hurricane ISO 4

Saucony are really pulling out all the stops with the Hurricane ISO 4. The biggest selling point of this shoe is the fact that it’s a traditional support shoe, but has the feel and performance of a much faster, lighter neutral shoe. It gives the opportunity for an over pronator to wear a very responsive product, not a stiffer support shoe they are probably used to.

Positive

• Full length EverRun cushioning
• Amazingly flexible for the support shoe
• Saucony Iso upper enhanced with plush tongue

Negative

• May not offer enough support for some runners

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18

The Adrenaline GTS 18 delivers a brilliantly cushioned smooth ride and a good level of support for the over pronator. Perfect for your everyday needs, this version will reinforce its reputation as a go-to motion control favourite.

Positive

• Cushioning
• Stability
• Ride

Negative

• Nothing much to dislike

Mizuno Wave Horizon 2

A great top end support shoe dressed in top end cushion shoe clothing!

This shoe is a top end wannabe cushion shoe, but with the addition of a Smoothride Support Wave Plate. It’s not for extreme over pronators, as it is built on a relatively narrow base compared to shoes such as the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18.

Positive

• Fan shaped Smoothride Wave Plate, gives solid lightweight support
• Top end cushioning delivered in a support shoe
• Soft, yet supportive enough upper

Negative

• The removable PU feeling sockliner is far too heavy

Nike Air Zoom Structure 21

This Nike Zoom Structure 21 is a workhorse, a shoe that offers a great package of stability and cushioning and ideal for any distance. Lighter and stronger than the previous version, the Nike Air Zoom Structure 21 offers a great combination of stability, cushioning, responsiveness and durability. A shoe for everyday easy running over any distance.

Positive

• Cushioning
• Lightweight stability
• Breathability

Negative

• More a stable than a motion control shoe now

Hoka Arahi 2

A very lightweight supportive high mileage trainer. Hoka One One are big, very big, but don’t let that fool you if you have never worn a pair. If you over-pronate but dream of a comfortable shoe that those Neutral runners get in abundance, the Arahi 2 is a great option to consider.

Positive

• Very lightweight for a support shoe
• Responsive rocker construction
• Great cushioning and wide platform

Negative

• Size might need a bit of getting used to