Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes has reviewed 119 shoes in the Next Pair catalog. Below: their verdict on each, with a source link to the full review on their own channel.
Daily training 46
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"a real gem of Puma's lineup" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes calls the Deviate Pure a standout of Puma's lineup — fast, light, fun, and comfortable enough for long runs, and more stable than the Adidas Evo Speed, if slightly less outright quick.
Best for: Interval sessions, tempo runs, and races up to around a half marathon; also fine for daily miles
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"responsive and quite bouncy ride" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes recommends the MagMax Nitro 2 for marathon-training long runs and heavier runners, citing its bouncy, stable, max-cushion ride, though he flags it as pricier than rivals like the Vomero Plus.
Best for: Marathon-training long runs and heavier runners wanting a cushioned, durable max-stack shoe
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"the best budget shoe out there" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes calls the Velocity Nitro v5 the best budget daily trainer on the market right now, praising its value, durability, and versatility, though he notes it lacks the cushioning for runs beyond about 90 minutes.
Best for: Budget-conscious daily training — easy runs, recovery, tempo, and parkrun — up to about 90 minutes
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"best in class" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: The Velocity Nitro 5 trades a bit of weight and firmness for a wider toe box, new wide-fit option, and thicker outsole, remaining an easy recommendation as the best value daily trainer under £100 despite a stack too low for long runs.
Best for: Budget-conscious daily training across easy runs, tempos, and races up to half-marathon distance, especially for runners needing a wider fit
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"still one of the best stability shoes out on the market" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: A softer, better-balanced Kayano than before — comfortable and durable stability shoe for easy running and overpronators, though heavy with mediocre energy return.
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"your feet just disappear underneath you" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: One of the standout shoes in the range — an extremely durable, fast, non-plated foam shoe well suited to marathon racing, let down only by a shallow toe box.
Best for: A non-plated marathon racer/long-run shoe for runners who don't want an aggressive carbon racing shoe
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"really extremely versatile" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: A versatile, comfortable daily trainer with a punchier forefoot pod than the previous version, let down slightly by short laces and some quality-control issues (glue marks).
Best for: An all-purpose daily trainer covering everything from easy jogs to speed sessions and occasional racing
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"amazing for those long runs" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: One of the best long-run shoes on the market thanks to its soft FF Blast foam and great lockdown, though this version's outsole durability is a step down from the Superblast 2.
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"absolutely amazing do-it-all" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes calls this an excellent, versatile daily trainer that suits most runners and is a safe recommendation.
Best for: A do-it-all daily trainer suited to a wide range of runners and running styles, with enough pep for some speed work.
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"Lots of soft, squishy cushioning" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes says he's warmed to this shoe over time, praising its soft cushioning and responsiveness, but flags durability as below average.
Best for: Long runs for runners who want a soft, squishy, lightweight ride.
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"really good lightweight shoe" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes recommends this as a lightweight, budget-friendly option for speed reps, similar in concept to the Adidas Evo SL but without a plate.
Best for: A budget speed-session shoe for tearing up speed reps.
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"stable and responsive shoe" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes describes this as a stable, responsive, good-value long-run shoe with strong grip.
Best for: A stable, good-value long-run option with strong grip.
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"famous Puma outsole grip" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes recommends this as a good-value, grippy daily trainer for runners on a budget, though it trades away some cushioning versus pricier rivals. He notes it typically retails for around £100.
Best for: A budget-friendly daily trainer, especially in wet/winter conditions, for runners wanting to spend less.
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"still a fantastic shoe for the money" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes says this remains a great-value shoe for the money now that deals are appearing following the version 5 launch.
Best for: A discounted alternative to the version 5 for budget-conscious daily-trainer buyers.
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"best daily shoes of 2026" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: The reviewer calls the Novablast 6 one of the best daily trainers of 2026, finding it noticeably lighter, more nimble, and more responsive than the Clifton Pro, with the Hoka only offering a bit more stability and a more prominent rocker.
Best for: Runners wanting a lighter, more nimble, and more responsive daily trainer than the Clifton Pro.
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"feels softer to me" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: The reviewer recommends the regular Clifton 11 over the Pro for those focused on casual walking, being on their feet all day, or wanting a simpler, more traditional, comfort-oriented daily ride.
Best for: Casual walking, all-day wear, and runners who prefer a softer, simpler, more traditional daily ride at a lower price than the Pro.
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"the tongue just kept sliding down" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: The reviewer welcomes the updated foam as a step up in responsiveness for the Clifton line but is ultimately unconvinced given the shoe's heavy weight, cushioning tech he sees as dated versus rivals, and poor lockdown, and says he won't keep using it.
Best for: Runners wanting a livelier, more responsive Hoka Clifton for daily training, longer runs, and occasional faster efforts, though the poor lockdown may frustrate some.
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"picking up the Mach 7 every day" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: The reviewer sees the Mach 7 as better suited to faster training paces than the Clifton Pro and says it's the Hoka daily shoe he'd actually choose given its much lighter weight, despite the Pro offering more cushioning for longer runs.
Best for: Runners wanting a lighter, firmer Hoka option for faster daily runs, tempos, and threshold work.
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"amazing Turbo Squared foam" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes expects the Novablast 6 to be the most popular daily shoe of 2026, offering a softer, more responsive, and more versatile ride for faster running than the Clifton 11, though the Hoka has an edge in stability and durability.
Best for: Runners wanting a versatile daily trainer that can also handle speed work, races, and long runs.
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"It's completely fine" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes calls the Clifton 11 a safe, comfortable, and stable but performance-dated daily trainer that's better suited to walking and easy running than faster training or racing.
Best for: Daily easy runs and all-day walking or standing, especially for beginner runners wanting a safe, stable, dependable trainer.
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"feel slightly firmer for me" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes recommends the Clifton Pro over the standard Clifton 11 for runners prioritizing responsiveness, citing its firmer supercritical EVA midsole and more aggressive rocker.
Best for: Runners who want a more responsive, running-focused daily trainer over the standard Clifton's stability/walking focus.
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"a lovely amount of bounciness" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes calls the Novablast 6 an easy-to-recommend, versatile daily trainer with a bouncier ride thanks to the new forefoot pod, though he flags some cheap-feeling build quality (glue marks, loose threads) and remains cautious about long-term foam durability given the v5's issues.
Best for: Do-it-all daily training from fast park runs to long runs and recovery jogs
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"the most comfortable shoe I've ever worn" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes calls the Superblast 3 the most comfortable shoe he's worn and his long-run king for 2026, with legs feeling noticeably fresher than on the snappier v2 — traded off against reduced pop, slightly less stability, and outsole durability that wore down faster than he'd like for a £200 shoe.
Best for: Long, easy-paced runs where comfort matters more than speed
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"it's bouncy and it's really good fun" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes describes the Neo Vista 3 as a fun, bouncy, marshmallow-soft max-stack shoe that's surprisingly stable thanks to its plate, best suited to recovery jogs and easy miles, with only minor gripes about bulk and lacing irritation.
Best for: Easy runs, long runs, and especially recovery jogs, including for heavier runners
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"it's light, it's fast, it's fun" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes praises the Deviate Pure Nitro as a light, fast, fun, and versatile plateless speed shoe with excellent PEBA-foam cushioning, grip, and stability at a good price point, though it runs narrow and isn't ideal for wider feet.
Best for: Tempo runs, interval sessions, and fast daily miles, for narrower feet
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"fun and engaging ride" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes praises the Endorphin Azura as an excellent value, do-it-all daily trainer with a fun, stable, rockered ride, docking points only for its bulky volume and a sliding tongue with no lace notch.
Best for: Versatile daily trainer that also handles long runs, easy days, recovery jogs, and the occasional shorter race
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"my favorite Novablast so far" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes calls this his favorite Novablast yet -- lighter, more stable, and still versatile -- but flags inconsistent build quality (glue marks, loose threads) on his pair and remains cautious about long-term foam durability given the wear issues seen on the outgoing v5.
Best for: A do-it-all daily trainer covering easy runs, tempo runs, recovery jogs and the occasional race, suited to a wide range of experience levels including beginners.
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"great turn of pace" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Improves on the OG Evo SL with better fit and lockdown via a gusseted tongue and woven upper, matching the original's speed but with slightly reduced breathability.
Best for: Runners who tried the regular Evo SL and had lockdown or tongue slippage issues
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"perfectly okay shoe" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: A perfectly adequate daily trainer that is lightweight and smooth-riding, but held back by a problematic tongue and limited responsiveness for the price.
Best for: Standard daily training runs; comparable to the Nike Pegasus
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"soft, bouncy, marshmallowy ride" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Version 3 is the best Neo Vista yet — an updated plate delivers more bounce and responsiveness while the dual-layer midsole remains plush and stable, and at £150 it offers significantly better value than pricier max-stack competitors like the Hoka Skyward X.
Best for: Heavier runners, high-mileage weeks, long runs, marathon and half-marathon pace; first plated shoe for runners who want softness and stability together.
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"always puts a smile on my face" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes' top ASICS pick; a unique max-stack plateless race shoe that is ultralight, responsive, durable, and fun to run in, ideal for runners who want fast races without a carbon plate.
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Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes' top Mizuno recommendation with a full review forthcoming.
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"really blew me away" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes' top Puma pick; a versatile plateless shoe that blew him away with its Nitro foam, amazing grip and stability, and ability to handle all paces and distances including marathon, at a great price point.
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"really, really, really, really, really loved the Gravel version" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Reviewer's top Salomon pick including the gravel version; called a unique and standout option with the gravel version specifically praised.
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"shoe that's just fun to run in" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Reviewer's top Saucony pick; a high-stack daily shoe that is fun to run in, allows easy miles and pace pickups, described as a good all-around versatile daily shoe.
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"not a bouncy shoe at all" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben considers the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro a genuine competitor to and personal improvement over the Adidas Evo SL, praising its versatility, stability, lightweight cushioning, and exceptional value at £130. He rates it as his preferred shoe for longer and steadier efforts, giving it the overall win over the Evo SL for his use cases.
Best for: Versatile daily use including intervals, tempo runs, long runs, and races up to marathon distance for neutral or narrow-footed runners
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"bang in the middle there" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: The Ghost 18 is a safe, reliable daily trainer with a comfortable, balanced ride and excellent versatility across runner types, though its traditional lower-stack feel and slightly heavier weight may not appeal to those seeking more modern max-stack cushioning.
Best for: Easy, steady, and tempo runs for runners of all abilities who want a stable, dependable, comfortable daily shoe; particularly good for wider-footed runners given the four width options
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"loads of room in the toe box" — Ben Parkes
Best for: Runners wanting a comfortable, foot-shaped daily shoe with a roomy toe box.
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"Brooks really know how to make a comfortable daily shoe" — Ben Parkes
Best for: A reliable, versatile, stable daily trainer for wide-footed runners.
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"lightweight, fast, and fun" — Ben Parkes
Best for: Faster paces and shorter races up to the half marathon for wide-footed runners who don't want a plate.
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"lightweight and surprisingly nimble" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: A lighter, bouncier and slightly roomier evolution of v1 that nails its brief as a plush long-run mileage monster, though the GBP 170 RRP is a touch high versus competitors.
Best for: Long runs, easy mileage and marathon training for neutral or heavier runners who want a soft, durable mileage monster.
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"very much in that Max stack category" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Easy recommendation — a high-cushion daily trainer at a bargain price (cheaper than V17) that excels for marathon-training mileage; not the right pick for 5K/10K speed.
Best for: Half-marathon and marathon training where most miles are at easy/long-run paces; runners who want one shoe to do most of their training and pair with carbon racers.
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Ben Parkes notes: Likely his favorite shoe of the year and the wholehearted top recommendation in this max-stack roundup — the lightest, most versatile option even if it's the most expensive and hardest to get hold of.
Best for: One-shoe-does-everything runners who want a lightweight, responsive trainer that races, trains and travels equally well.
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Ben Parkes notes: Unbeatable value daily trainer with premium Lightstrike Pro foam at the £100/$130 price point; staying in his rotation. Best for narrow-to-standard feet who want a traditional unplated ride.
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Ben Parkes notes: Unbeatable value daily trainer with premium Lightstrike Pro foam at the £100/$130 price point; staying in his rotation. Best for narrow-to-standard feet who want a traditional unplated ride.
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Ben Parkes notes: Unbeatable value daily trainer with premium Lightstrike Pro foam at the £100/$130 price point; staying in his rotation. Best for narrow-to-standard feet who want a traditional unplated ride.
Road racing 23
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"going on the sale pile" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Parkes sees the SC Elite v6 as a genuine foam and plate upgrade over v5 that stays comfortable and true to New Balance's accommodating race-shoe formula, but a thin, durability-worrying outsole, rear-foot instability and a lack of top-tier snap left him underwhelmed — he'd point most regular runners to the cheaper SC Rebel instead.
Best for: Runners wanting a smooth, natural-feeling race day shoe with a wide-fit option, rather than back-of-pack or high-mileage racers.
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"one of the lightest super shoes" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Parkes found the Deviate Nitro Elite 4 lighter, cheaper and faster than the SC Elite v6, with a very natural ride and likely better outsole durability, and says it's the one he'd pick between the two.
Best for: Midfoot strikers wanting the lightest possible race-day super shoe.
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"really quite a lot softer" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Despite costing £70 more and running heavier, Parkes found the Endorphin Elite v3 softer, bouncier and noticeably faster than the SC Elite v6 in a half marathon outing, and says it's the shoe he'd pick between the two.
Best for: Marathoners wanting a softer, bouncier, more responsive race shoe than the SC Elite v6.
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"the lightest shoes I've ever run" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes calls the Deviate Elite 4 an unbelievably lightweight, user-friendly, and stable carbon racer — one of the lightest shoes he's run in — though the thinned outsole trades away some durability.
Best for: Race day up to half marathon for runners who want an ultra-light, stable carbon racer
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"a very wild ride" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes finds the Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 a wild, bouncy, extremely fast racer best suited to 5K-10K efforts for strong midfoot/forefoot strikers, though its high price and unstable heel foam make it unsuitable for heel strikers or less experienced racers.
Best for: 5K-10K racing for strong, fit midfoot/forefoot strikers
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"extremely fast and very lightweight" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: The reviewer's current marathon race shoe of choice — extremely fast, lightweight, and grippy, with good versatility across race distances up to the marathon.
Best for: Half marathon to marathon racing
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"extremely fast and very lightweight" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: A very fast, lightweight racing shoe the reviewer uses for shorter race distances (5K/10K), while preferring the Edge for half marathon and marathon.
Best for: 5K and 10K racing
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"probably the best value super shoe" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes calls this probably the best-value super shoe on the market, lightweight and fast, and a strong marathon race-day option.
Best for: A marathon race-day shoe, also suited to 5K, 10K, and half marathon distances; good value since it's been out a couple of years.
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"super versatile, great for all sorts" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes praises this line as super versatile and fast, and says he's personally used it in multiple marathons.
Best for: A versatile, lightweight race shoe for a range of distances, including marathons.
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"Very stripped back shoe, very lightweight" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes recommends this for shorter, faster races, describing it as stripped-back and snappy.
Best for: Shorter race distances — 5K, 10K, and half marathon.
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"very soft foam and that stiff plate" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes says he's really enjoyed running in this shoe and considers it a potential future marathon shoe, despite its high price.
Best for: A premium marathon race-day shoe for runners willing to pay a high price point.
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"a little bit more versatile" — Ben Parkes
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"more energy return" — Ben Parkes
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"a lot stiffer and firmer" — Ben Parkes
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"one of the softest shoes" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: A wild, fun, and highly comfortable super shoe with huge energy return that the reviewer sees as a strong half/marathon-pace racer, but the steep price and fast-wearing outsole make it hard to recommend outright over cheaper competitors.
Best for: Marathon and half-marathon racing or key sessions for both elite and everyday runners who prioritize comfort and bounce over outright speed.
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"extremely bouncy and soft ride" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes calls the Endorphin Elite 3 a wild, expensive but genuinely fast super shoe, with a uniquely bouncy, carbon-plated ride and comfortable upper that suits half-marathon and marathon racing, despite its £300 price tag and awkward off-the-run walkability.
Best for: Half-marathon and marathon racing for both elite and mid-pack runners
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"rubbed my toe completely raw" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: A genuinely fast and well-built long-distance carbon racer undermined by an extremely tapered toe box that caused fit problems even for a narrow-footed tester, making an in-store try-on essential.
Best for: Narrow-footed runners seeking a fast half marathon to marathon carbon racer at a mid-range price; try on in store first
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"very smooth and stable, however you choose to strike" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes' top Hoka pick; a smooth, stable, and accessible carbon racer suited to 3- to 5-hour marathon runners of all strike types, preferred over the more aggressive Cielo for its comfort and nice rocker geometry.
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"the only wide-fitting carbon plate shoe" — Ben Parkes
Best for: Wide-footed runners wanting a comfortable, stable carbon racer.
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"The lightest shoe I've ever tested in this category" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes considers the Deviate Nitro Elite 4 a fantastic, user-friendly race shoe — the lightest he has tested in this category — and plans to race in it, though the ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo Edge still narrowly edges it out for pure speed.
Best for: Midpack marathon runners seeking a stable, comfortable, and lightweight race shoe without the aggressive geometry of top-tier super shoes
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Ben Parkes notes: Massively improved over v1 as a race shoe — completely reinvented as a road track-spike for short-distance racing. In the right hands at mile-to-5K distances, it could do amazing things.
Best for: Mile, 3K, 5K road races and short speed sessions for forefoot strikers with strong calves.
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"damn fast" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: A radically lighter, lower-stack Vaporfly that is as fast as ever and excellent at 5K to half marathon, but no longer the obvious marathon pick for most runners due to firmer ride, narrower midfoot and rear-foot instability.
Best for: 5K, 10K and half marathon racing for lighter, midfoot/forefoot-striking runners; usable as a marathon shoe only by stronger or elite-leaning runners.
Speed work 19
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"a real classic in the sector" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben still rates the Zoom Fly 6 highly, especially at a discounted price, though he now considers the SC Rebel the slightly better all-round pick for its more stable, nimble ride.
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"quite nimble and nippy" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes finds the Deviate Nitro 4 a solid, beginner-friendly entry into plated shoes with a smooth, flexible plate feel, but prefers the cheaper, lighter, more fun Deviate Pure at the current price.
Best for: Runners trying a plated shoe for the first time, or wanting a nimble winter race/parkrun option
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"a really great combination of speed and stability" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: A fast, stable, and beginner-friendly carbon trainer/racer that's firm underfoot and best reserved for faster running rather than easy miles.
Best for: Tempo and threshold sessions, and a good entry point into carbon-plated shoes for beginner/intermediate runners
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"really good fun to run in" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes enjoys this shoe for speed work and calls it great fun with a strong turn of speed, but flags a lack of stability as its main downside.
Best for: Speed sessions — fartleks, tempos, and thresholds — sitting between a daily trainer and dedicated speed shoe.
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"really good budget option in this category" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes recommends this as a good-value, easy-to-run race shoe for mid-pack marathoners, and separately as a durable, carbon-plated option for speed sessions given deals ahead of a rumored version 7.
Best for: A budget-friendly, user-friendly race shoe well suited to mid-pack marathoners (around 3:30+); also durable enough to use for speed sessions as well as racing. Not a legal race shoe due to stack height.
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"really nice stable shoe" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes considers this a versatile, comfortable daily shoe well suited to easy miles and longer training, with outsole grip as the only real weakness.
Best for: Runners doing half marathon or marathon training who want a stable, versatile daily shoe for easy miles.
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"so much more responsive to running" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: The reviewer strongly prefers the Evo SL over the Clifton Pro for most running, citing its much lighter weight and more energetic, responsive ride, only conceding the Hoka's edge in stability and long runs over 2 hours.
Best for: Runners wanting a much lighter, more responsive daily/tempo shoe than the Clifton Pro, though the Hoka may be preferable for very long runs over 2 hours.
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"so much more responsive" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Parkes considers the pricier Evo SL a clearly superior shoe to the budget Pacer in almost every respect — lighter, more responsive, snappier at pace and better made — winning in every category except cornering stability, where the Pacer has the edge.
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"it's snappy and it's really quite fast" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes was pleasantly surprised by the Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo, calling it a snappy, fast, and very stable max-stack non-plated racer-style shoe that's firm at first but breaks in around 30 miles — and at a bargain sale price, an absolute steal.
Best for: Fast running only — pair with a standard daily trainer for easy miles
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"fast, it's fun, and it's very lightweight" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: The lightest and most breathable of the Evo SL range, fast and fun with great value especially at discounted prices, though it has a non-gusseted tongue and some stability concerns.
Best for: Runners wanting the lightest and most breathable option who are not overly concerned with stability; all distances up to half marathon
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"it's fun, it's fast, it holds the foot well" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben's favourite of the range, the Exo takes everything great about the original Evo SL and adds a more supportive exoskeleton upper that fixes the lockdown and stability issues, while remaining just as fast and fun.
Best for: Runners who want the most structured and stable Evo SL, or those who appreciate its dual life as a stylish casual shoe
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"so snappy and it's so fast" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: The standout gem of the Kiprun range — a plateless speed shoe with responsive ATPU foam that rivals far more expensive options, earning a near-perfect score for its exceptional value and surprising performance.
Best for: Runners wanting a plateless speed shoe and occasional racer at outstanding value for money
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"best Evo SL that they've made so far" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes' top Adidas pick; the EXO version improves on the original with a more structured exoskeleton upper for better lockdown and stability while retaining the excellent full-length Lightstrike Pro midsole, though the top eyelet for heel-lock lacing has been removed and it runs slightly warmer.
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"snappy" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Reviewer's top Kiprun pick; a snappy, stable, lightweight plateless workout and race shoe at a competitive price point, though slightly firm and only available at Decathlon with fluctuating prices.
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"snappy and fast" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: An outstanding value speed shoe that punches well above its price, delivering impressive stability and responsiveness at a 45mm stack. Reviewer calls it one of the best value shoes ever tested and gives it an easy recommendation for tempo and race use.
Best for: Budget-conscious runners wanting a stable, snappy speed shoe for tempo runs and races from 5K to marathon.
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"good budget race day option" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: A solid, versatile carbon-plated daily trainer with a good grip and wide enough use case range from easy jogging to 5K pace, though its lower stack limits it for longer runs over 90 minutes. Good value at £150 but not a standout bargain.
Best for: Runners wanting a versatile plated daily shoe for uptempo paces and budget race day use, particularly those training for 4+ hour marathons or 1:45+ half marathons.
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Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes calls this one of his best running shoes of 2024 that he is continuing to use through 2025; great value at £155 for tempo, long runs, and budget marathon racing.
Best for: Tempo work, longer training runs, and budget-friendly marathon/half-marathon racing
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"old school racing flat experience" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: An excellent old-school racing flat brought up to date with full-length Lightstrike Pro — best for 5K/10K speed work, not a do-it-all shoe. Good value at GBP 120.
Best for: Lightweight 5K/10K racing and speed sessions for runners who want ground feel and a traditional racing-flat experience without a plate.
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"a brilliant comfort and speed ratio" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: A genuinely strong return to form: ~10% lighter, more responsive ZoomX/EVA midsole, comfortable, durable and competitively priced — easily one of the best value carbon-plated do-it-all shoes available.
Best for: Mid-packers wanting one do-it-all carbon-plated shoe at a competitive price — workouts, tempo, long runs and even race day, especially good for heavier runners who need protection.
Easy / recovery 19
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"definitely one of the most comfortable shoes out there" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: An ultra-comfortable, max-cushioned easy-day shoe that doubles as an all-day casual/walking shoe, at the cost of being heavy and pricey for what is now dated foam.
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"Ultra plush and pillowy" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes calls this a classic in the max-cushion recovery category and one of the most comfortable shoes ever made.
Best for: Recovery jogs and easy miles, and also for runners doing a lot of walking or time on their feet.
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"really good chunk of Nike's premium" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes recommends this as a more readily available long-run shoe than his top pick, citing its ZoomX cushioning and available width options, despite its heavier weight.
Best for: Long runs, including for wider-footed runners who need width options.
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"that's absolutely wild" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes is impressed by the sheer amount of cushioning here but frames the New Balance Fresh Foam X More as the more sensible choice given this shoe's high price (around £210).
Best for: Runners wanting the most extreme, high-stack cushioning available, at a premium price.
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"definitely the most comfortable shoe in the Dathlan kip run range" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: A surprisingly excellent max-stack shoe that stands among the best in its class for comfort and value, making it a genuine gem in the Decathlon lineup that Ben plans to keep.
Best for: Long runs and easy recovery runs for any runner seeking max cushion comfort at a competitive price
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"very plush, very soft, very comfortable" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Reviewer enjoyed the Glycerin 23 as a solid, very plush and comfortable daily shoe, though Brooks wasn't featured as a main brand in the video.
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"softest, most plush max stack shoe out there" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes' top New Balance pick; the softest, most plush max-stack shoe available for easy and recovery runs, padded everywhere with a wide stable platform, though on the heavy side.
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"smooth and surprisingly fast for a shoe that is quite bulky" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes' top Nike pick; a comfortable, smooth max-stack daily shoe with great shock absorption and grip, praised for looking after legs on long runs, though slightly heavy and needs care in corners due to a high-soft-foam combination.
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"insanely comfortable shoe" — Ben Parkes
Best for: Easy and recovery jogs, all-day wear, and heavier runners or those with large feet.
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"really great padding" — Ben Parkes
Best for: A reliable, comfortable, soft long-distance cruiser built to last.
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"one of the very softest, squishiest, marshmallowy shoes" — Ben Parkes
Best for: The most plush, soft easy and recovery run shoe, plus all-day wear.
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"the sheer amount of versatility on offer" — Ben Parkes
Best for: Long runs and marathon-pace blocks, and a good option for heavier runners.
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"definitely one of the most overpriced shoes I've ever reviewed" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: The Skyward X 2 is a stable max-stack recovery shoe that has shed weight and gained firmness over v1, but its steep price and lack of responsiveness make it very hard to recommend when better-value alternatives exist.
Best for: Heavier runners seeking a very stable max-stack shoe for easy and recovery paces
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"good allround daily shoe" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Nike are back with an easy-to-recommend max-stack daily that delivers Invincible 1/2-style fun with better heel lockdown and stability, though the 45mm stack is arguably more than needed.
Best for: Runners looking for the spiritual successor to the Nike Invincible 1/2 — a fun, plush, do-it-all daily shoe with enough versatility to race in.
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"high stack, do-it-all daily" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: A solid high-stack daily option that is firmer and more reactive than the MagMax 2, with better stability from its full outsole but a less plush long-run feel.
Best for: A high-stack do-it-all daily shoe for runners who are not racking up the longest long runs.
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"really only suitable for jogging" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: A wild, pillow-soft, ultra-bouncy max-stack jogging shoe that nails its niche brief but is extremely heavy, expensive and offers no versatility beyond easy and recovery runs.
Best for: Recovery and very easy jogging miles for runners who want maximum softness and bounce in a wild, novelty-feel shoe.
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Ben Parkes notes: Best max-cushion recovery shoe in the NB lineup — soft and stable but bulky and not built for speed.
Best for: Dedicated easy and recovery-day shoe; good for walkers and people on their feet all day.
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Ben Parkes notes: Stability fixed vs v2 and the cushioning is great, but lockdown issues kept Ben from running his usual mileage in it; he's awaiting v4.
Best for: Easy and recovery runs, second-of-the-day soft cushion
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Ben Parkes notes: A solid update that fixes the v2's lateral instability and keeps the soft, bouncy ZoomX ride, but the bulk and weight remain so v2 owners can stay put.
Best for: Easy and recovery runs, long runs, and fartleks for neutral runners who want max cushion
Long run 7
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"fantastic buy" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Reviewer's standout shoe from the Mount to Coast range; praised for durability and longevity making it ideal for long runs and ultras on tarmac, with a unique lacing system to reduce foot pressure.
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Ben Parkes notes: Ben describes it as an ultra-durable road ultra racer that should last around 1,000 miles — built for long days on tarmac, not 5k PBs.
Best for: Road ultra racing (Badwater 135, Comrades, Grand Union Canal) and high-mileage daily training for runners who want extreme durability over speed.
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Ben Parkes notes: Ben says Skechers are 'back in form' but he'd still pick a Brooks Glycerin Max over the Aero Burst because the Glycerin Max foam is a touch better — still a solid recovery-day shoe.
Best for: Easy runs, long recovery days, and heavier runners wanting a max-cushion, stable daily.
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Ben Parkes notes: The biggest, most extreme stack on the list — bulky but really fun, with a plate that lets it pick up the pace better than the other max-stack shoes; a fan favorite of his channel.
Best for: Heavier runners or runners who want max-stack cushion that scales up to half/marathon racing thanks to the plate.
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Ben Parkes notes: Despite a hefty ~13oz weight and a price he calls steep, Ben rates this as the best HOKA on the market right now and a top-tier long-run cruiser — bouncy, smooth, and comfortable, but pace-limited.
Best for: Heavier runners who want max-cushion long-run protection, marathon trainers logging easy/marathon-pace miles, and runners who prioritize comfort over speed.
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Ben Parkes notes: A fantastic long-run cruiser that loses some of v2's pop in exchange for stability — recommended at the US $180 price, but the UK £230 pricing makes it nearly impossible for Ben to recommend over a Vaporfly 3 or Endorphin Pro at the same number.
Best for: Mid-pack runners training for half/full marathons who want a comfortable, dependable, plated long-run trainer over an all-out lightweight racer.
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Ben Parkes notes: One of Ben's favourite shoes of the year — the most comfortable plated training/race shoe on the market for him; only knock is the price.
Best for: Mid-pack and back-of-pack marathoners who want comfort and a plate for long marathons; great entry-level carbon-plated shoe.
trail light 3
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"great grip, really good comfort" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes names this alongside the Salomon Ultra Glide 4 as one of his current favorite trail shoes for grip and comfort.
Best for: Trail running, one of the reviewer's current favorites.
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"increased versatility that this shoe offers" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: The most versatile Evo SL variant for mixed terrain and winter conditions, with excellent grip and water resistance, though it runs warm in summer and is noticeably heavier.
Best for: Runners who do a lot of off-road running or want a winter road shoe that keeps feet dry in wet conditions
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"this shoe is extremely wide" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: A fast, wide and stable carbon-plated trail racer with excellent Vibram Megagrip on smooth trails, but it is heavy, stiff on steep climbs, lacks lug depth for muddy conditions and is very hard to recommend at this price.
Best for: Fast, smooth, non-technical summer trail and ultra racing (think Western States, South Downs Way, Thames Path), or mixed-terrain park run-style efforts.
trail ultra 2
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"The Salomon is special" — Ben Parkes
Ben Parkes notes: Ben Parkes singles this out as special and expects it to be his most-used trail shoe of 2026.
Best for: Trail running, per the reviewer's current favorite.