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 Gel Nimbus 27
Pros
- Even more foam underfoot!
- Premium-feel, breathable upper
- Fantastic stability
- Improved toebox with extra wiggle room
- Flexible knit tongue
- True maximalist comfort for recovery runs
- Amazing heel lockdown
- Top-tier grip
Cons
- Feels bulky and heavy
- Minor price increase
- Lacks energy return
Key Features
- Engineered jacquard mesh upper: Wraps your foot in a soft feel while ensuring breathability.
- Sustainable materials: At least 75% of the main upper material is made from recycled content, reducing waste and carbon emissions.
- Eco-friendly dyeing process: The sockliner utilizes a solution dyeing process that cuts water usage by approximately 33% and reduces carbon emissions by about 45% compared to conventional methods.
- PureGEL technology: Delivers lightweight cushioning for softer landings, enhancing comfort during runs.
- FF BLAST PLUS ECO cushioning: Made with around 24% bio-based content sourced from renewables, this technology offers both a plush landing and responsive toe-off.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber for enhanced grip and durability
- Outer material: Mesh for improved breathability
- Inner material: Knit for added comfort and flexibility
The ASICS Gel Nimbus 27 is best suited for runners seeking a stable and cushioned daily running shoe. Its significant midsole provides excellent impact protection while ensuring confidence in both rigid construction and grip, based on extensive lab tests and field runs.
Equipped with Hybrid ASICSGRIP, the Nimbus 27 delivers notable traction, achieving a score of 0.84 and surpassing the lab average by 82.6%. The shoe's performance in shock absorption is also impressive, registering a high 136 SA rating.
The foam underfoot measures 42.7/34.4 mm, offering cushioning that exceeds the average by 8.3/8.6 mm. Runners, particularly heel strikers, will appreciate the benefits of the PureGEL technology, which ensures each step remains comfortable.
Despite its plush design, the Gel Nimbus 27 maintains a stable feel, attributed to its sidewalls, wide platform, and stiff midsole. The shoe demonstrated the highest 5/5 torsional rigidity score, confirming its stability during testing.
However, it should be noted that the Nimbus 27 is 12.8% heavier than some alternatives, which may not appeal to those looking for a more agile running option.
Brooks Glycerin Max
Pros
- Massive impact dampening
- Luxurious yet breathable upper
- New DNA Tuned midsole
- Eye-catching look
- Surprisingly stable
- Can be used as a walking shoe
- Premium materials
Cons
- Too heavy
- Midsole lacks bounce
- Poor rubber coverage
- High price tag
Key Features
- Maximum Soft Cushion Technology: The Glycerin Max ensures every step feels effortless thanks to its high stack of nitrogen-infused DNA Tuned Cushion in the midsole.
- GlideRoll Rocker: Features a sculpted heel bevel and toe spring geometries for smooth heel-to-toe transitions, making it easier for you to push forward.
- DNA Tuned Foam: This next-generation foam uses dual-size cell technology to protect your body from impact while providing a comfortable ride.
- Comfort Fit: The unique Linear Last construction offers more volume, accommodating all foot shapes and allowing use with orthotics.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Rubber
- Inner Material: Nylon
The Brooks Glycerin Max is a running shoe designed for individuals seeking comfort during their training sessions. It excels in providing significant support and cushioning, making it suitable for underpronation runners.
This model features a substantial stack height of 42.3/35.7 mm, which effectively absorbs shock and minimizes stress on joints and muscles. With a high 148 SA score, it offers 16.5% more protection than the average running shoe.
Despite its elevated stack, the Glycerin Max maintains notable stability through a stiffened midsole. Our manual assessment revealed a high degree of torsional rigidity, resulting in a score of 4/5.
The upper material provides impressive comfort and breathability, handling heat-intensive runs effectively. This performance is confirmed by a maximum rating of 5/5 during our breathability test.
One drawback of the Glycerin Max is its focus on comfort, which may leave some runners desiring a more dynamic, springy feel from the midsole. Runners looking for an energized ride may want to consider alternatives.
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.
ASICS Noosa Tri 16
Pros
- Lightweight
- Exceptional grip
- Attention-grabbing aesthetic
- Gusseted tongue
- Comfortable upper
- Great for triathlon
- Really versatile
- Fantastic price point
- Breathability
Cons
- Upper longevity
- Minimal tongue padding
- Still not enough energy return
Key Features
- FF BLAST PLUS cushioning: This is ASICS' softest and lightweight cushioning material that provides exceptional impact absorption, helping to reduce fatigue during your runs.
- GUIDESOLE technology: Designed to create smooth toe-offs, this technology aids in conserving energy, allowing you to run longer distances with less effort.
- Mesh upper: Enhances breathability, ensuring that your feet stay cool even during intense workouts.
- ASICSGRIP outsole rubber: This unique outsole provides excellent grip and traction across various terrains, giving you the confidence to tackle different running environments.
- Environmentally-friendly sockliner: Produced using a solution dyeing process, it reduces water usage by approximately 33% and carbon emissions by about 45% compared to conventional methods.
Specifications
- Fabric type: 100% Synthetic
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Polyester
The ASICS Noosa Tri 16 is ideal for runners seeking a tempo shoe that offers exceptional traction and performance. Its versatile outsole, responsive kick, and shock-absorbing cushioning make it suitable for speed training in various weather conditions.
A key feature of the ASICS Noosa Tri 16 is the ASICSGRIP rubber, which demonstrated reliability in wet conditions with a friction score of 0.79. This level of traction is significantly higher, at 68.1% grippier than average, ensuring confidence through sharp turns and slippery streets.
We measured the stack height at 32.8/26.9 mm, contributing to a lightweight design weighing just 7.7 oz (217g). Despite its low weight, the shoe remains comfortable for multi-hour runs, achieving solid shock absorption scores of 129/108 SA in the heel and forefoot, respectively.
Acceleration feels more efficient in this shoe, thanks to effective energy return. The forefoot recorded an energy return score of 60.5%, while heel strikers experienced a lower score of 53.9%. If energy return is critical for your running style, this may be a drawback when considering the ASICS Noosa Tri 16.
Brooks Caldera 8
Pros
- Outstanding stability
- Comfortable, smooth ride
- Versatile on easy and moderate terrain
- Secure, reliable lockdown
- Fair and reasonable price
- Dependable traction
- Cleaner, more refined look
Cons
- Still heavy
- Needs more cushioning
- Bulky, overly wide heel
- Only for slow paces
Key Features
- MEN'S ULTRA TRAIL SHOE: The Caldera 8 is built for distance, equipped with DNA Loft v3 cushioning that provides exceptional softness while delivering stability on rugged trails.
- BREATHABLE PERFORMANCE UPPER: The shoe's upper is crafted from durable materials resistant to scratches and snags, featuring breathable air mesh with TPEE for effective moisture management.
- ENDURING COMFORT: Nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning offers a plush ride, protecting your feet from the harsh elements of rocky and root-filled paths.
- SMOOTH, ADAPTABLE RIDE: Raised sidewalls contribute to added security and flexibility, while an expanded base and flex grooves in the outsole stabilize each landing.
- CARBON NEUTRAL CERTIFIED: This product achieves carbon neutrality by utilizing recycled materials and supporting carbon offset projects, making it a responsible choice for eco-conscious runners.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Nylon
- Inner material: Nylon
The Brooks Caldera 8 is best suited for trail runners seeking a balance of comfort and stability during easy to moderate terrain runs. It excels in shock absorption, providing a soft landing while minimizing impact on leg muscles, which is particularly beneficial for longer endurance sessions.
With measurements of 36.7/27.9 mm, the Caldera 8 significantly reduces landing impact. Our shock absorption tests yielded high scores of 129/111 SA in the heel and forefoot, respectively, confirming the relief felt during runs.
The ride of the Caldera 8 remains stable despite its plush cushioning. Enhanced foot alignment is achieved through midsole sidewalls, combined with a high torsional rigidity score of 5/5 and an extensive landing base, making this shoe one of the widest at 116.6/104.0 mm, with the heel being 14.3 mm wider than average.
In terms of traction, the outsole of the Caldera 8 provides reliable grip across various conditions, as evidenced by a grip score of 0.59. The 3.6 mm lugs contribute to versatility on technical sections of trails.
However, due to its wide dimensions, the Caldera 8 may feel bulky, similar to an SUV. Runners who favor agility on twisty trails might benefit from opting for a more compact shoe.
Adidas Ultrarun 5
Pros
- Fantastic option for beginners
- Budget-friendly price
- Good durability
- Works well as a casual sneaker too
- Cozy step-in feel
- Good grip
- Ultraboost-inspired look
- Stable for heel strikers
Cons
- Feels bulky and bottom-heavy
- Lacks an energetic ride
- Runs a bit warmer than ideal
Key Features
- Cushioned Comfort: Enjoy the soft feel and performance benefits of the OrthoLite sockliner, which is officially licensed for its quality.
- Bounce Cushioning: Lightweight Bounce technology enhances comfort and flexibility, making every step feel springy.
- AdiWear Outsole: The high-wear durability of the AdiWear outsole ensures longevity, perfect for regular use.
- Eco-Friendly Design: Constructed with at least 20% recycled materials, these shoes contribute to reducing waste.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Rubber
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
The Adidas Ultrarun 5 is well-suited for runners seeking versatility, comfort, and a roomy fit at an affordable price of $80. It offers notable cushioning for easy runs without excessive foam, making it our top choice for a budget running shoe designed for wide feet.
Using a solidified gel mold to replicate the shoe's fit, we measured the widest part at 97.6 mm. This width exceeds the 95.3 mm average, providing comfort for broad feet and reducing pressure points for those with bunions.
The midsole demonstrates ease of maneuverability, achieving a flexibility score of 15.0N in our bend test. This performance aligns with the average, confirming its suitability for daily use and activities such as walking.
We measured the stack height at 34.3/24.8 mm, which is close to average. This design provides adequate cushioning for slower-paced and shorter runs while avoiding unnecessary bulk.
However, some users may find the ride feels flat. Runners who prefer a more dynamic response should consider investing in shoes featuring more premium midsoles.