Hoka Mach 6
Pros
- Really lightweight
- Fantastic outsole
- Exciting ride
- Highly cushioned
- Great for heel strikers
- Handles faster paces
- Superb lockdown
- Excellent value at $140
Cons
- Drop varies from stated
- Tapered toebox
- Thin tongue
Key Features
- Lightweight Design: The Mach 6 is Hoka's lightest model, allowing for swift movement during runs.
- Responsive Midsole: Equipped with a super critical foam midsole to enhance energy return.
- Durable Outsole: Features strategic rubber coverage to increase the lifespan of the shoe.
- Zonal Breathability: The creel jacquard upper promotes airflow to keep your feet cool.
- Comfort Fit: Internal gusset design provides a foot-hugging feel that enhances overall comfort.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Canvas
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
- Weight: Not specified but recognized as the lightest in its category.
The Hoka Mach 6 is a lightweight daily trainer, well-suited for runners seeking both responsiveness and comfort. Lab results confirm that the Mach 6 excels in providing a significant performance across various paces and distances, enhancing the overall running experience with its airy construction.
Weighing in at only 8.2 oz (232g), the Mach 6 is 12.5% lighter than average while maintaining a generous stack height. Its fluid midsole adapts to natural foot flexions, as evidenced by our 90-degree test, which shows it has 36.4% less resistance than typical models, thereby improving comfort during easy runs.
The midsole effectively balances responsiveness and comfort, with measurements of 36.0/26.4 mm and composed of a lightweight bouncy 20.4 HA foam that promotes quicker pacing. Additionally, the built-in rocker facilitates smooth forward transitions, contributing to sustained momentum throughout runs.
However, this focus on agility and weight reduction may lead to some compromise in midsole width. Runners with wider feet may want to consider alternative options for improved comfort during their runs.
Hoka Bondi 9
Pros
- Endless cushioning
- New supercritical EVA midsole
- Amazing step-in comfort
- Doubles as a walking shoe
- Stable for its height
- Built to last
- Excels at slow-and-steady paces
- Well-designed heel collar
- Lighter than v8
Cons
- Not for wide feet
- Still feels heavy and clunky underfoot
- Drop measurement differs from stated
- Non-gusseted tongue
Key Features
- Engineered Mesh: Provides breathability and support.
- Durabrasion Rubber: Enhances durability in high-wear zones.
- Premium Foam Midsole: Offers excellent cushioning and resilience.
- Increased Stack Height: Ensures a plush ride over various terrains.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)
- Outer Material: Polyester
- Inner Material: Textile
The Hoka Bondi 9 is designed for runners seeking exceptional cushioning and reliable support. Its notable durability makes it a strong choice among cushioned running shoes, as confirmed by lab tests that highlight its sturdy build.
Testing with our Dremel revealed that the Bondi 9 exhibits above-average wear resistance. It recorded a minimal 0.9 mm dent in the outsole, with durability scores of 4/5 in the toebox and 5/5 in the heel, demonstrating its ability to withstand multiple training blocks.
The shoe offers a plush interior, featuring a substantial 41.3/32.2 mm stack height, ensuring ample cushioning for extended runs. Shock absorption tests indicate effective foam performance, with scores of 146 SA in the heel and 133 SA in the forefoot, mitigating the impact of landings.
To promote stability, the midsole measures 123.2/100.9 mm, providing more space than average for centering feet and enhancing balance. Elevated sidewalls further contribute to this support, allowing for a secure fit during runs.
However, the increased height and width contribute to a weight of 10.7 oz (303g), making it 14.3% heavier than average. This added weight may not be suitable for runners who prefer a more agile experience.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24
Pros
- Stack height upgrade!
- Reliable support
- Breathable mesh with oversized vents
- Price remains unchanged
- Available in 4 width options
- Good durability
- Plush tongue for top comfort
- Ideal for heel strikers
- Foam upgrade to DNA Loft v3
Cons
- Firmer-than-expected midsole
- High drop may feel too steep
- Toebox height is a bit low
- Non-gusseted tongue
Key Features
- Guidance System: The Guiderails Holistic Support System helps guide your body in its natural motion path, preventing excess movement.
- Dynamic Cushioning: With nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole foam, enjoy soft and adaptive cushioning for a luxurious running experience.
- Enhanced Upper: The engineered air mesh upper provides breathability, stretch, and structural support for a comfortable fit.
- Smooth Transitions: A newly designed outsole and midsole enhance smooth transitions during your run.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Rubber
- Inner material: Nylon
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is ideal for heel strikers seeking stability in their running shoes. Its design features a balance of cushioning and rigidity, ensuring each landing remains secure.
The rear section of the shoe is notable for its performance. The heel counter received a stiffness rating of 4/5, providing a steady hold without excessive harshness. Additionally, the heel's landing base measures 95.0 mm, which surpasses the average by 4.3 mm.
In terms of comfort, the heel stack height is a significant 39.0 mm, compared to the average of 34.2 mm, delivering ample support for repetitive impacts. With a drop of 13.5 mm, the shoe enhances transition smoothness, making it particularly suitable for rear strikers.
The inclusion of GuideRails technology is an essential feature that helps maintain foot positioning. This design element contributes to stability, allowing for greater control during runs.
A potential drawback is that the shoe feels somewhat firm, prioritizing support over plush cushioning. Runners who favor a softer feel may want to explore other options.
ASICS Gel Kayano 32
Pros
- Amazing shock absorption
- Plush and breathable upper
- Made to last
- Dependable for most pronators
- Heavy-duty outsole with excellent grip
- Stable as a table
- Pillow-soft heel padding
- Improved fit
- Excellent build quality
Cons
- Not for soft-foam lovers
- Bad energy return
- Overpriced in Europe
Key Features
- Engineered Mesh Upper: A lightweight and breathable material that minimizes overlays, providing enhanced ventilation.
- Knit Heel Pull Tab: A convenient feature that allows for easier on-and-off wear, adding to the overall comfort.
- 4D GUIDANCE SYSTEM: A dynamic pod that adjusts under load, offering adaptive stability and comfort during your runs.
- Rearfoot PureGEL Technology: An updated version of GEL technology, approximately 65% softer than standard options, delivering superior cushioning.
- FF BLAST PLUS Cushioning: This midsole foam combines cloud-like cushioning with a lighter weight, enhancing responsiveness.
- Reflective Details: Designed to improve visibility in low-light conditions, making it safer for early morning or late-night runs.
- HYBRID ASICSGRIP Outsole: Combines ASICSGRIP rubber and AHARPLUS materials for enhanced grip and durability across various terrains.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Polyester
- Inner Material: Polyester
- Rating: 4.3 out of 5 from 506 reviews
The ASICS Gel Kayano 32 is a reliable choice for runners seeking substantial stability and cushioning. Its bottomless cushioning provides an exceptional underfoot sensation while ensuring significant support during runs. In laboratory tests, the GK32 excels in stability among daily running shoes.
Central to the GK32's design is the 4D Guidance System, which offers tailored support by adjusting to the contours of each foot. This system enhances midsole width to facilitate safe and steady landings. Our measurements show a platform width of 119.8/97.2 mm, compared to the standard 114.3/90.7 mm.
The midsole height reaches 39.9/30.6 mm, delivering a low-impact and forgiving ride. Our shock absorption tests confirmed its effectiveness, with scores of 133 SA in the heel and 116 SA in the forefoot. This performance contributes to a pleasant on-foot experience.
Additionally, the shoe features a breathable upper that received a score of 4/5 in our ventilation assessment. However, its heavier build at 10.4 oz (295g) exceeds the average weight of 9.3 oz (265g) for running shoes, which may deter those seeking a lighter option.
On Cloudeclipse
Pros
- Most cushioned On model to date
- New CloudTec Phase technology enhances speed
- Improved upper with better durability and breathability
- Extremely long-lasting outsole and upper
- Effective heel lock
- Good stability considering its stack height
- Comfortably smooth ride
- Excellent lockdown for regular-width feet
Cons
- Helion foam lacks energy return
- Seems overpriced, like other On models
- Actual drop significantly varies from the stated measurement
Key Features
- Durable synthetic and mesh upper for enhanced longevity and breathability.
- Breathable textile lining that ensures comfort during extended runs.
- Textile lined insole provides cushioning and support where you need it most.
- Functional lacing system allows for a customized and flexible fit.
- Lightweight and flexible rubber sole offers excellent grip and traction on various surfaces.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Synthetic
- Inner material: Fabric
The On Cloudeclipse is designed for runners seeking a lightweight option that effectively addresses Achilles Tendonitis. Its abundant and impact-protective cushioning provides a soothing sensation during runs while maintaining structural support for enhanced stability.
Weighing in at 9.6 oz (272g), the Cloudeclipse facilitates quick movements without causing discomfort. With a maximalist design featuring a thick 39.9/30.5 mm stack height, it delivers notable shock absorption, as demonstrated by a heel score of 141 SA and a forefoot score of 124 SA.
The shoe's steep 9.4 mm heel drop promotes rear striking, reducing strain on the Achilles tendon. Its midsole offers sufficient stiffness to ensure stable strides, receiving a solid 4/5 rating in our manual twist test, which helps prevent muscle fatigue and excessive lateral movement.
However, the price of $180 may be a consideration for budget-conscious runners, who might want to explore more affordable alternatives available in the market.
Brooks Launch 11
Pros
- Revamped nitrogen-injected midsole
- Great upper breathability
- Still fairly priced
- Snug and secure fit
- Improved for heel strikers
- Agile and nimble ride
- Works for daily miles and speed workouts
- Improved stability
Cons
- Price increase from v10
- Low-volume toebox
- Firm ride
- Minor weight gain
Key Features
- DNA FLASH Foam: The midsole incorporates nitrogen-infused DNA FLASH foam, providing excellent energy return and enhancing responsiveness during your run.
- Breathable Upper: A mesh upper allows for proper ventilation, keeping your feet cool while ensuring a secure fit.
- RoadTack Rubber Outsole: This updated outsole design maximizes traction and facilitates quick transitions, ideal for maintaining speed.
- Lightweight Design: The shoe's construction emphasizes a light feel, which helps reduce fatigue over extended runs.
- Responsive Cushioning: The DNA FLASH v2 in the forefoot further enhances agility, adapting to your unique stride.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Rubber
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
Priced at $120, the Brooks Launch 11 is designed for runners seeking a budget-friendly speed training shoe without compromising on performance. It features a durable outsole and dynamic cushioning, all while maintaining a lightweight profile, making it significantly lower in cost compared to the average speed trainer priced at $153. Our lab results affirm its status as a top choice for budget-conscious athletes.
The Launch 11 offers an airy feel during runs, weighing only 8.4 oz (237g), which is 10.6% lighter than the average running shoe. This lightweight design enhances speed and agility, allowing runners to experience improved performance on various terrains.
Adding to its appeal is a bouncy midsole that received a notable 60.0% score in our tests. The spring-like quality contributed positively to our stride efficiency, particularly when increasing our pace.
The outsole stands out due to its reliable grip and impressive durability. In our traction evaluation, it achieved an above-average 0.51 friction score, and after extensive outdoor testing, we found minimal wear, supported by lab data indicating 20.0% less wear than typical shoes. This reinforces the shoe's ability to endure multiple training sessions.
However, it is important to note that the Launch 11 may not be suitable for runners with wider feet, as its toebox can feel restrictive. Those who prioritize extra space may want to consider more generously cut alternatives.
Under Armour Surge 4
Pros
- Good traction
- Very affordable price
- Stable and secure ride
- Ideal for heel strikers
- Comfortable heel and tongue
- Suitable for daily wear
- Pressure-free lacing system
- Durable outsole
Cons
- Very low energy return
- Weak shock absorption
- Not for serious running
- Firm feel underfoot
Key Features
- Breathable Mesh Upper: Made from 100% recycled polyester mesh, providing structure and support while allowing airflow.
- Enhanced Ankle Cushioning: The ankle collar is cushioned for superior comfort during extended wear.
- Deluxe Comfort System Sockliner: This sockliner molds to your foot, ensuring ultimate step-in comfort.
- Charged Cushioning® Midsole: Offers responsive cushioning and durability, making it suitable for all-day wear.
- Durable Rubber Outsole: Provides excellent traction and flexibility, especially at toe-off.
- Offset: 8mm, optimizing your stride for better performance.
Specifications
- Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: 100% Recycled Polyester Mesh
- Inner Material: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate
The Under Armour Surge 4 is an excellent choice for budget-conscious runners, especially those new to the sport. This running shoe offers stability and features a durable outsole that enhances its performance on various surfaces.
Lab tests indicate that it provides solid value at its low price point; however, it has very low energy return and modest shock absorption. These factors may affect overall performance in more demanding running conditions.
While the Under Armour Surge 4 presents notable advantages for beginners, it is important to consider that its limited cushioning may not meet the needs of all runners. This characteristic could be viewed as a drawback for those seeking enhanced comfort during longer runs.