Brooks Glycerin 22
Pros
- DNA Tuned improves shock absorption
- Stable ride
- Highly-breathable upper
- Increased stack height
- All-around comfort
- First-class durability
- Perfect for everyday miles
- Awesome for heel strikers
- Great as an everyday shoe
Cons
- Needs to lose some weight
- Low toebox height
- Price increase
- Not the most energetic ride
Key Features
- Dual-Size Cells Technology: The Glycerin 22 features DNA Tuned midsole technology that seamlessly blends two sizes of cells for luxurious cushioning and energetic toe-offs.
- Neutral Support: This shoe provides excellent neutral support while maximizing cushioning, making it versatile for diverse activities.
- DNA Tuned Cushion: Designed with cutting-edge cushion technology, larger cells in the heel deliver soft landings, while smaller cells in the forefoot facilitate responsive take-offs.
- Accommodating Fit: The newly engineered double jacquard knit upper offers a flexible and accommodating fit, ensuring both durability and breathability.
- Smooth Transitions: A broad platform stabilizes your foot during movement, promoting smooth heel-to-toe transitions.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Mesh
- Inner Material: Foam, Fabric
The Glycerin 22 is designed for individuals seeking a comfortable walking and running experience. Its gentle cushioning and flexible midsole facilitate ease during daily mileage, while its durable construction is evident in lab assessments.
The outsole demonstrates significant wear resistance, evidenced by a durometer reading of 84.0 HC compared to the average of 79.2 HC. In our Dremel test, it sustained only 0.5 mm damage, indicating a reduction of 54.5% compared to typical results.
This 22nd iteration stands out as the most cushioned Glycerin, featuring a stack height of 38.5/28.2 mm that supports extended use without causing muscle fatigue. The shock absorption performance is rated at 133/109 SA, contributing to its overall comfort.
Despite its substantial stack height, the shoe allows for adequate foot flexibility, needing a near-average force of 15.0N to achieve a bend of 30 degrees. This feature enhances its versatility for varied activities.
A notable drawback is the limited toebox height, which may not accommodate those with high-volume feet or those preferring a more relaxed fit. Users seeking additional space in this area might consider wider alternatives.
ASICS Novablast 5
Pros
- Improved energy return with FF Blast MAX foam
- Plushiest foam in a Novablast yet
- Keeps the same price as v4
- Higher stack height for extra cushioning
- Enhanced flexibility
- Lighter than its predecessor
- Best Novablast ever for wide feet
- Exceptional weight-to-cushion balance
- Works for short, medium and long runs
Cons
- Breathability could be improved
- Toebox durability
Key Features
- Maximal Midsole Cushioning: The ASICS Novablast 5 features a maximalist midsole design that enhances comfort and shock absorption, making it suitable for longer runs.
- Grippy Outsole: The outsole is engineered with high-traction rubber to provide reliable grip on various surfaces, enhancing stability during your runs.
- Engineered Fit: Designed with a focus on improving fit, these shoes ensure a secure lockdown, allowing you to focus on your performance without distractions.
- Synthetic Materials: Both the outer and inner materials are crafted from synthetic components, optimizing durability and breathability.
Specifications
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Shaft Height: Ankle Strap
- Outer Material: Synthetic
- Inner Material: Synthetic
The Novablast 5 is ideal for runners with a heel-strike pattern, providing substantial cushioning and comfort across various distances and paces.
This shoe features exceptional softness, particularly noticeable during heel landings, with a measured cushion height of 40.9 mm. Our durometer tests indicated that the midsole is 38.4% softer than average, which contributes to a pillowy yet responsive underfoot experience.
Unlike many maximalist shoes that may compromise stability, the Novablast 5 offers increased width in the midsole, with an added 8.3/6.9 mm in the forefoot and heel. This design helps secure footing while minimizing the risk of ankle rolls, even during sharp turns.
The lightweight build, at only 9.0 oz (254g), combined with its uncomplicated midsole, makes Novablast 5 an excellent choice for daily training. Our flexibility test confirmed this, showing it to be 32.2% more flexible than average, allowing for a natural stride.
A key drawback is that the outsole does not provide sufficient traction on wet surfaces, making it less suitable for those requiring maximum grip.
ASICS Megablast
Pros
- Outstanding energy return
- Exceptional impact protection
- Durable, grippy outsole rubber
- Astonishingly low weight
- Performs at any pace and distance
- Breathable, lightweight upper
- High-quality materials from heel to toe
- Suitable for all footstrikes
- Top performance without a carbon plate
Cons
- Extremely expensive for a training shoe
- Limited outsole coverage
- Poor toebox durability
Key Features
-
Engineered Mesh Upper: A lightweight and breathable mesh material reduces the need for additional overlays, promoting airflow to keep your feet cool.
FF TURBO² Cushioning: This pinnacle foam is designed to deliver the bounciest and most energetic midsole experience, providing advanced cushioning and rebound.
Curved Sole Design: Helps conserve more energy in each step, allowing for a more efficient running style.
ASICSGRIP Outsole Rubber: A proprietary rubber outsole that ensures advanced grip across various terrains.
Sustainable Construction: At least 50% of the shoe's main upper material is made from recycled content, contributing to reduced waste and carbon emissions.
Specifications
-
Origin: Imported
Sole Material: Rubber
Outer Material: Faux Leather
Closure Type: Pull-On
Rating: 4.6 out of 5 based on 31 reviews
The ASICS Megablast is an excellent choice for runners seeking a combination of speed and comfort. Its innovative foam technology provides significant energy return, while its lightweight design offers relief during intense speed sessions.
Lab tests confirm the Megablast as a top-performing shock-absorbing tempo running shoe. The cushioning effectively dampens impact, as evidenced by its impressive 160/144 SA score in the heel and forefoot, which indicates a reduction in load on the legs by 24.0% and 35.8% better than average, respectively.
When assessing the midsole’s energy return, the heel registered 73.0% and the forefoot 73.8%, demonstrating notable propulsive takeoffs. This performance ensures that comfort and responsiveness remain consistent even over longer distances, enhancing the overall running experience.
The lightweight construction of 7.8 oz (218g) further contributes to a more enjoyable ride, making it easier to maintain speed. However, the Megablast's advanced features come at a premium price of $225, which may deter some runners from purchasing.
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.
Topo Atmos
Pros
- Max-cushioned comfort
- Ultra-spacious toebox
- Stable ride
- Premium Ortholite footbed
- Midfoot-friendly geometry
- Lightweight for its huge size
- Great for easy long runs
- No heel slippage
Cons
- Lacks energy return
- Not for narrow-footed runners
- Could be a bit more flexible
Key Features
- Max Cushioning: With a 40 x 35 mm platform, these neutral road running shoes offer exceptional plush comfort and shock absorption.
- Energetic Ride: The updated ZipFoam midsole provides lightweight cushioning and enhanced rebound, ensuring an efficient stride.
- Lighter Outsole: A newly designed outsole enhances grip and slip resistance while minimizing weight, allowing for a stable ride.
- Breathable Recycled Upper: Made from recycled materials, the engineered mesh upper offers excellent airflow and adaptability, promoting sustainability.
- All-Day Comfort: The OrthoLite Performance Insole delivers cushioned support that resists compression, suitable for extended wear.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Polyester
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
The Topo Atmos is a wide walking shoe best suited for those seeking significant stability and comfort during extended walks. Our lab tests indicate that it provides exceptional impact protection while maintaining a well-balanced feel.
During testing, we noted the roominess of the shoe, with our caliper measurements revealing a base width of 119.1/96.8 mm. This is considerably wider than the average width of 114.1/90.6 mm, which contributed to a confident stance and solid footing with each step. Additionally, our gel mold replica indicates that the ball of the foot measures 98.5 mm, approximately 3.1% above average.
The Topo Atmos features a stack height of 37.8/32.5 mm and utilizes 20.0 HA cushioning, designed to dampen impact and deliver comfort without sacrificing support. Despite its substantial build, this model weighs only 9.7 oz (275g), ensuring it remains lightweight even after prolonged use.
However, it is important to note that the Topo Atmos exhibits a slightly stiffer construction compared to other options, which may be less suitable for individuals who prefer more flexibility in their footwear.
Mizuno Neo Vista 2
Pros
- Massive stack height
- Super-plush Enerzy NXT foam
- Perfect for long runs
- Lightweight for its huge size
- Good durability
- Breathable knit upper
- Roomy toebox height
- Insanely fun!
Cons
- Not enough energy return
- Price hike feels unjustified
- Not stable for heel strikers
Key Features
- MIZUNO ENERZY NXT: This next-generation midsole material maximizes energy return and cushioning, ensuring optimum performance and responsiveness.
- Knit Upper: The completely knit upper offers a sleek design while providing a natural fit suitable for all foot types.
- Eco-Friendly Materials: Made from recycled materials, making it an environmentally conscious choice.
- MIZUNO WAVE: The innovative MIZUNO WAVE plate disperses impact energy across a broader area, resulting in superior cushioning and stability.
- Smooth Speed Assist: Features a significant heel bevel for efficient midfoot landing, supporting the calf, with an aggressive forefoot rocker for smooth transitions.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Nylon
- Closure type: Lace-Up
The Mizuno Neo Vista 2 is a unique running shoe designed for individuals who seek comfort and energy efficiency during their runs. It features a supersized stack that effectively absorbs impact, helping to keep legs feeling fresh over extended distances. Our lab tests confirm this model provides the best shock absorption among supination running shoes.
This shoe incorporates foam that scored **170 SA** in shock absorption—**32.8%** above average—which contributes significantly to reduced strain on the legs. With a **46.0/37.5 mm** stack height, the cushioning is generous regardless of landing position, with the forefoot being taller than most competitors’ heels.
Despite its thick platform, the Mizuno Neo Vista 2 offers a lively ride, characterized by a springy return confirmed by energy tests showing rebound scores of **60.3%** in the heel and **59.8%** in the forefoot. The flexible midsole further enhances the ride quality, demonstrating **10.0%** more pliability than average in our bend test, which promotes both comfort and adaptability.
However, these premium features come at a price point of **$200**, which may not suit all budgets. For runners seeking more affordable training options, alternatives are available.
Adidas Ultraboost 5X
Pros
- Works well as a casual sneaker too
- Premium, high-quality materials throughout
- Stretchy, roomy upper
- Fantastic energy return
- Built-to-last durability
- Best Ultraboost version to date
- Stable for heel strikers
- Increased stack height
- Noticeable weight reduction
- Grips very well
Cons
- Steep price
- Ventilation falls short of expectations
- Limited to slower paces
- Less stack height than advertised
Key Features
- Continental Outsole: Crafted with Continental rubber for superior grip and reliability in all conditions.
- Environmentally Friendly: Made with at least 20% recycled materials to help reduce waste and reliance on finite resources.
- Torsion System: Provides enhanced stability between the heel and forefoot for a better running experience.
Specifications
- Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Rubber
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
The Adidas Ultraboost 5X is particularly suited for individuals seeking a well-cushioned walking shoe, especially those with wider feet. Our wear tests reveal its comfortable upper, supportive platform, and flexible midsole contribute to an overall cozy feel.
This model features a spacious toebox, complemented by the stretchy Primeknit upper that accommodates various foot shapes. The toebox measures **75.4 mm** at the big toe area, which is larger than the **73.7 mm** average, confirming its roominess and minimal taper.
In terms of cushioning, the bouncy Light Boost technology provides effective impact protection with a stack height of **34.6/24.2 mm**. Our durometer testing indicated a softer-than-average rating of **16.4 HA**, yet the shoe maintains a balanced feel, contributing positively to stability during use.
Throughout our walking tests, the Ultraboost 5X adapted smoothly to our strides, reducing fatigue levels. Notably, it showcased **27.4%** greater flexibility compared to the average, requiring less force for movement.
However, the price point of **$180** may present a drawback for some users, as other shoes are available offering similar experiences at more competitive rates.