FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS has reviewed 138 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 65
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"absolutely banging red colorway" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: Fordy gives the Deviate Pure the head-to-head win over the Evo SL on weight, stability, versatility and upper, saying it has taken the good bits of the Evo SL and improved them — though he stresses both shoes are phenomenal and it is almost a draw.
Best for: Runners who want a stable, versatile, lightweight plateless up-tempo daily trainer with super foam at an affordable price
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"still impressive at like 258 g" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: Easily beaten by the Deviate Pure and Evo SL as an out-and-out lightweight up-tempo daily trainer, but its more forgiving, more stable PB foam makes it a good shout for bigger runners and longer runs.
Best for: Bigger runners and those wanting a plateless PB-foam shoe for slightly longer runs
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"best running shoe surprise of 2026" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: FORDY RUNS calls the Deviate Pure the running shoe surprise of 2026 — a smooth, versatile daily trainer that handles easy miles and uptempo work, and a serious contender for shoe of the year in his view.
Best for: Daily training miles with the versatility to pick up the pace
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"made an absolute cracker here" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: FORDY RUNS calls this a contender for running shoe of the year: a plateless, full-PEBA up-tempo daily trainer that is hugely versatile across paces, light, well-priced at £130, and a strong alternative to the Adidas Adizero Evo SL.
Best for: Everyday runners wanting one versatile, affordable, lightweight up-tempo daily trainer that can handle easy runs, faster sessions, parkruns, 5Ks and 10Ks, and slot into many rotations
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"the biggest-selling Brooks running shoe" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A good, well-executed update with a lovely new upper and a better ride than past Ghosts, but Fordy questions its place in the post-Evo-SL world and personally prefers the Ghost Max; he feels the basic daily trainer is being left behind and should be priced as a budget option.
Best for: A neutral, versatile daily trainer for the masses
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"it's bouncy-ish, but not overly soft" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A very good max-stack long-run shoe with a great dual-foam ride that slots between the soft v1 and firmer v2, but the changes over v2 are minor, the knit upper runs hot, and the older versions are much cheaper.
Best for: Runners wanting a max-stack long-run shoe for easy, longish miles; sits between the soft v1 and firmer v2.
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"basically a Superblast competitor" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: An early but strongly positive verdict: a stable, firmer-riding plateless long-run super trainer that has cleared his 10-12 mile litmus test and will replace the Superblast 3 for his marathon-block long runs, with the coarse warm upper and the steep 210 GBP price as the main knocks.
Best for: Long runs and marathon-training miles at easy to steady paces, especially for runners who find the Superblast 3 too soft
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"the ReactX foam in here is boring" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: An incremental improvement over the Pegasus 41 with a new full-length Air Zoom unit and wider toe box, but the dead ReactX foam and 311g weight leave it outclassed by competitors in the same price range.
Best for: Fans of the Pegasus 41 who want a versatile do-it-all daily shoe
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"really wide and really stable" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: The new FF Blast Max midsole transforms the Cumulus 28 into one of the best no-frills daily trainers Fordy has run in lately — comfortable, stable, and smooth, with a great outsole.
Best for: Back-to-basics daily training, park runs, easy social miles
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"the new Evo SL is awesome" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: An incremental but meaningful upgrade to the original Evo SL: the new woven upper and gusseted tongue fix the biggest complaints while preserving everything that made the shoe great, keeping it the best running shoe you can currently buy.
Best for: Versatile performance daily trainer for daily miles, workouts, and even racing
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"lighter, it's bouncier, it's softer" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A massive upgrade over the previous Supernova Rise versions and a cracking daily trainer — fun, bouncy, and durable, standing up well against the Puma Velocity Nitro 4 especially for runners who find Puma too narrow.
Best for: Everyday runners wanting a fun, bouncy daily trainer for daily miles; pairs well with a faster shoe like the Evo SL in a rotation.
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"Nice wide toe box" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A comfortable, softer, more wearable update that Fordy initially liked, but the forefoot midsole is already compressing at ~60 miles — he'd swerve it even at discounted prices.
Best for: Tempting if heavily discounted, but durability concerns make it hard to recommend over alternatives like the Brooks Hyperion 3, Adidas Evo SL, or Hoka Mach
- Hoka Arahi 8 ▲▲
"lighter than version 7" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: An excellent max-stacked stability shoe — light for the category, very comfortable, with effective full-length H-frame stability and a nice dual-foam ride; the reviewer can find no real dislikes.
Best for: Runners who mildly pronate and want a max stack stability shoe for easy days, recovery, and double runs
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"a fantastic lightweight daily trainer" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A much-improved, versatile lightweight daily trainer and a genuine sleeper hit — a strong alternative to the Adidas Evo SL if that shoe's softness or fit doesn't work for you, though priced slightly high at £140.
Best for: Lightweight daily trainer for uptempo daily runs and mixed-pace sessions
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FORDY RUNS notes: A much-improved stability daily trainer with a comfortable, wide platform and softer React X ride, let down by an intrusive stability feel and a heavy build that keeps it behind cheaper rivals for FORDY.
Best for: Runners who want a noticeably supportive mild-stability daily trainer and prefer structured medial and lateral guidance.
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"extra foam under here has transformed it" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: Brooks added more forefoot foam and it transformed the shoe into a very good, versatile daily trainer.
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"really nice fast feeling shoe" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A lightweight, low-slung uptempo daily trainer that feels fun and fast; not a race-day shoe since it has no plate.
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"makes the Ghost 17 just feel like a brick on your foot" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: FORDY RUNS considers the Velocity Nitro 4 one of the best-value daily trainers available at £110, praising the full-length Nitro foam's responsiveness and bounce. The only concern is early outsole wear at around 20 miles, which the reviewer flags but says does not detract from the overall positive impression.
Best for: Everyday runners seeking a value daily trainer for easy runs, long runs, and general mileage accumulation
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"doit all daily trainer" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A massively improved, versatile daily trainer thanks to more forefoot foam and a lower 10mm drop — does all the daily-trainer basics very well, though it faces stiff competition from the Adidas Evo SL.
Best for: Everyday runners wanting a versatile, well-built daily trainer.
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"Puma Grip is king" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: Major disappointment due to the narrow PWRTAPE-cinched upper despite a great NitroFoam ride and PumaGrip outsole — recommends Magnify v2 or other max-stack alternatives instead.
Best for: Narrow-footed runners only; he can't recommend it broadly because of the fit.
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"fits true to size" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A very good mild-stability daily trainer that continues the V17 formula with small upper/comfort tweaks — solid fundamentals at a friendly price, but the PWRRUN foam leaves the ride feeling flat and Fordy still prefers the Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2's bouncier foam.
Best for: Runners with mild stability needs who want a comfortable daily trainer or a kinder easy-day/recovery shoe during high-mileage marathon training.
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"this version definitely feels softer" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A genuine improvement over the Boston 12 with a softer ride, better upper and tongue, and good value at £140, but it's a hard sell against Adidas's own Evo SL.
Best for: Everyday runners wanting a super trainer that can handle daily miles, tempo work, and race day.
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"really boring CME EVA foam" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: An essential, Swiss Army knife style shoe — super comfortable and stable for all-day wear plus easy runs, though not an exciting out-and-out running shoe.
Best for: A versatile work/life/running/gym shoe for people on their feet all day who also want to do easy miles up to around 8 miles.
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"Torin 8 is a winner" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: FORDY calls the Torin 8 a winner that continues the Torin 7 DNA with a softer EGO Max midsole, breathable jacquard upper, and a wider, slightly longer fit; he keeps it in rotation for easy 3-4 mile runs and treadmill sessions but won't take it past about five miles because zero-drop taxes his calves.
Best for: Zero-drop fans who want a softer EGO Max ride for short-to-medium easy and treadmill runs, or as a rotation outlier from max-stack/super-foam daily trainers.
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FORDY RUNS notes: Reviewer's overall winner of the 4-shoe comparison thanks to versatility, weight and the ability to pick up the pace.
Best for: Runners who want one daily trainer that can also handle uptempo sessions and intervals.
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"vomero is quite a heavy shoe" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: Reviewer's clear second-place pick of the four — only loses to the Novablast 5 because of weight and Novablast's better pace versatility, but the better outsole and balanced cushion make this the best easy-run option.
Best for: Easy daily-trainer steady miles when you don't want to carry a worry — reviewer's favorite Nike shoe at the moment.
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"absolutely fantastic at easy Pace" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: Nike has finally produced a great daily trainer — fantastic outsole, stable wide platform, surprising pep, sensibly priced; a strong rotation option for everyday runners.
Best for: Daily easy and recovery miles for marathon training (40-50 mpw); great rotation pick alongside a Nike race-day shoe.
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FORDY RUNS notes: FORDY RUNS picks the ForeverRun Nitro 2 as the winner against the Saucony Tempus 2 — better outsole, better comfort, better lockdown, and unbeatable value at £140 versus the £170 Tempus.
Best for: Everyday runners wanting a versatile mild-stability daily trainer with great grip and a stable, comfortable ride.
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"very wobbly and very unstable" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: FORDY considers the Pegasus Premium an overengineered, overpriced, unstable failure that has no place in a runner's rotation, arguing several cheaper and lighter competitors comfortably outperform it.
Best for: Casual walking around a shopping mall; not recommended for running.
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FORDY RUNS notes: FORDY RUNS strongly endorses upgrading from v1 to v2 — the increased stack, dual-density foam, and improved Run Guide System make this an excellent value mild-stability daily trainer at £140 that everyday runners will love.
Best for: Everyday runners and mild over-pronators who want a versatile, confidence-inspiring daily trainer that handles easy miles, uptempo work, and longer runs up to half marathon.
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"the most versatile" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: Chris's pick of the three — combines strengths of the Evo SL and Neo Zen into the most versatile daily trainer at the price.
Best for: A versatile everyday daily trainer for most runners at £135
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"brilliant daily trainer" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: Novablast 5 has matured into one of the best daily trainers available — it's lost the wild character of earlier versions but gained a refined, versatile ride that just works.
Best for: Versatile daily training — easy runs, tempo, long runs, and even race day if wanted
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"more complete package" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: The more complete package of the two — more versatile, better value at £135, and Chris's pick as one of the best daily trainers on the market.
Best for: All-round daily training for the everyday runner — easy, tempo, long, recovery, even up to marathon distance
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"this really does hold your foot together" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: Reviewer's overall pick of the EVO SL lineup: same Lightstrike Pro performance and Continental outsole, with an exoskeleton upper that adds the structure the OG and Woven lacked.
Best for: Runners picking up a new pair of EVO SLs who want the best upper with added structure
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"an improvement over the OG" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: Same midsole, stack, outsole and laces as the OG but with an improved woven upper; a clear step up from the OG in upper quality.
Best for: Runners who liked the OG but wanted a better upper
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"on the firmer side" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: The reviewer likes the new Hyperboost Pro foam but calls the shoe overhyped and compromised — heel design is clunky for heel strikers, the upper is too hot, and the toe box is tight; recommends waiting for version 2.
Best for: Neutral midfoot/forefoot strikers who want a firmer, stable plateless super trainer for daily miles and up-tempo efforts in cooler weather.
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"a little bit narrow in the toe box" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: Fordy's top non-plated race day pick; lightweight, versatile, handles long and fast with great outsole.
Best for: Runners wanting a non-plated, versatile marathon race day shoe
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"absolutely bulletproof" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: The reviewer's current pick over the Superblast 3 for paced long runs — a firmer, racier, extremely durable long-run trainer that has taken over the Superblast 2's role in his rotation.
Best for: Runners who want a firmer, fast-feeling long-run shoe they can take into marathon goal pace or even race day, and who don't need a soft ride.
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"feels awesome over those longer miles" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: The Asics Megablast is a highly durable and versatile shoe that maintains its performance and cushioning even after significant mileage. It's a reliable option for long runs and daily training.
Best for: Marathon trainees who want a single shoe that can handle everything from easy miles to 20+ mile long runs at goal pace, and even slower races.
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"firmer and faster feeling" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: FORDY's pick of the two for marathon training: firmer, more racing-flat-like feel that works better at his 7:30 marathon target pace and late in long runs.
Best for: Marathon training long runs and goal-pace work for runners who want a firmer, faster-feeling max-stack shoe
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"bouncier, softer, and lighter" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A phenomenal, versatile do-it-all trainer-racer that improves on the Superblast 2 in every way — albeit at a steep price.
Best for: High-volume half/marathon runners wanting a single shoe that handles all training and race day.
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"a shoe that can do everything" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A do-it-all non-plated trainer that combines the Super Blast's long-run prowess with better easy-pace manners and tempo versatility; expensive but genuinely versatile.
Best for: Versatile one-shoe rotation for runners wanting a non-plated do-it-all trainer that can also race.
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"new king in town" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: The new king of the do-it-all category — does everything the Superblast 2 does but also excels at the slower paces where the Superblast 2 falls short. Worth the price bump despite being expensive.
Best for: A true do-it-all shoe handling every pace and effort, from easy runs to marathon pace
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"a very versatile daily trainer" — FORDY RUNS
Best for: Versatile, comfortable daily trainer for bigger miles and varied run types.
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"a little bit too soft" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A softer, more cushioned shoe than its predecessor that works for easy miles but feels too soft for FORDY's marathon-pace training and mild pronation.
Best for: Runners who like a softer, higher-stack daily trainer at easy paces
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"a little bit firm" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: Softer alternative to Megablast for non-plated race day.
Best for: Runners finding the Megablast too firm
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"step too far for me" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A decent soft daily cruiser but too soft and unstable for long runs; a step too far in softness from the Superblast 2.
Best for: Leisurely midweek miles replacing the role of the Vomero Premium
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"this is too soft" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A step too soft for the reviewer's taste and likely to split opinion among Superblast 2 fans; a very good shoe overall but one that pushes the line toward a softer long-run experience, with the reviewer preferring the Megablast for paced long runs.
Best for: Runners who found Superblast 2 too firm or 'brick-like' and want a softer, lighter long-run shoe — especially neutral runners who don't need firmer support underfoot.
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"this thing is bulletproof" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: Now discounted around £155, the Superblast 2 is a strong buy for long-run specialists who found the SB3 too soft.
Best for: Long runs and marathon training for fans of firmer rides
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"the ultimate long run shoe" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A standout do-it-all long-run shoe that excels at marathon training paces and can even race, with exceptional durability.
Best for: Marathon trainees wanting one shoe to do everything, including race day and very high-mileage durability.
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"absolute cruising machine" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: Still an unbelievable shoe that can do almost everything, but feels cumbersome at slower paces and has been surpassed by the Megablast's newer foam.
Best for: Half-marathon to marathon training and longer miles at moderate-to-fast paces
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"an absolutely brilliant shoe" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A long-standing favorite of the reviewer for marathon training; a firmer, stable long-run shoe that leans into pace work well, and still worth buying on discount if you dislike the softer Superblast 3.
Best for: Marathon training long runs and goal-pace work where a firmer, stable ride that carries speed is preferred.
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"the ride is nothing special" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: At GBP 165 the Glycerin Flex's decoupled forefoot gimmick doesn't deliver a distinctive natural feel or the comfort the Glycerin line is known for, and the reviewer can't identify who it's meant for. Applauds Brooks for innovating but cannot recommend this version.
Best for: Unclear target runner; reviewer could not identify who this shoe suits
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"uptempo lightweight daily trainer" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A negligible update over the Mach 6 that fails to modernize the foam; reviewer says HOKA dropped the ball and points buyers to the Adidas Evo SL instead.
Best for: Fans of a simple, lightweight uptempo daily trainer who already like the Mach line.
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"incredibly stable" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A genuine super trainer: lightweight, stable, and capable at easy and goal-marathon paces, though pricey at GBP 220 without a club membership discount.
Best for: Long runs with marathon goal-pace segments; super-trainer slot in rotation
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"make a lighter version of the Neo Vista" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A major improvement over v1 and an early contender for daily trainer of the year — essentially a lighter, cheaper Neo Vista with a stable, versatile ride.
Best for: Versatile daily trainer that handles easy miles and progressive/tempo efforts for neutral runners.
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"really good daily trainer" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A genuinely improved 1080 with better foam and smooth ride, but the £170 price makes it hard to recommend without a discount.
Best for: Comfortable daily miles up to half marathon
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"this is a heavy shoe" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A competent max-stack mild-stability daily trainer with a good dual-foam ride, though Fordy prefers the Saucony Hurricane 25 and HOKA Arahi 8 for being lighter and more enjoyable.
Best for: Mild stability runners wanting a max-stack daily trainer and long-run cruiser to pair with a race shoe
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"it's just starting to feel very dated" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A dated, overpriced max-stack daily trainer whose EVA CloudTec tech no longer competes with modern foam rivals; one to avoid.
Best for: Easy aerobic miles or casual wear
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"very wide, stable platform" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: Puma smartly reduced weight and improved the Nitro foam, keeping the stable wide platform that defined v1 — the result is a more responsive, more versatile max-stack trainer at a competitive price.
Best for: Max-stack daily training and long runs where the runner also wants to inject marathon-goal-pace work without feeling weighed down.
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"a serious contender in this area" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A serious contender in the max-stack performance category — lighter and more responsive than v1, stable, with excellent Puma grip; main drawback is price versus the Vomero Plus.
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"very versatile shoe" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A firm, versatile trainer that feels uncomfortable at easy paces but comes alive at marathon goal pace, offering strong value at 140 pounds and proving it can handle long runs.
Best for: Versatile do-it-all trainer for runners who want to drop pace into tempo and goal-pace work, including longer runs.
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"It's firmer than you would think" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A versatile non-plated daily trainer that sits between the Adidas Evo SL and ASICS Superblast, with a firmer, stable ride that handles everything from easy miles to tempo and long runs; the only real letdown is a poor wet-weather outsole.
Best for: Versatile daily training and longer runs including half marathon training, especially for bigger runners who don't get on with softer super trainers.
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"the shoe's inherently stable" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A back-to-basics daily trainer that does the fundamentals exceptionally well — stable, comfortable, and versatile without flashy gimmicks.
Best for: Runners wanting a back-to-basics, stable, comfortable daily trainer for everyday mileage and parkrun-style outings.
Road racing 26
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"nice rhythm with the shoe" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: Massively improved over the v2 (which Fordy couldn't run in due to the medial cutout). Bounce, rhythm, and outsole grip all delivered a 7-minute PB. Heel instability and lateral lace pinch are real concerns for the marathon distance.
Best for: Half marathon and marathon racing for midfoot strikers wanting a bouncy lopey rhythm. Now on FORDY's marathon contender shelf.
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"feels epically fast on foot" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A fast, stable race-day shoe with full-length PEBA and a carbon plate; the reviewer sees it as best for half marathon and below rather than full marathon.
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"half marathon to 10k shoe" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A genuinely good racing shoe for 5K to half marathon with a great upper, stable ride, and lively PEBA setup, but the £220 price makes it hard to recommend versus cheaper alternatives like the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3.
Best for: 10K to half marathon racing; not a marathon shoe.
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"more going to be marathon focused" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A still-very-fast racer that the reviewer currently favors as his Chicago Marathon shoe because the Turbo Plus heel feels more stable and forgiving as fatigue sets in, pending half marathon heat-spot testing.
Best for: Half marathon to marathon distances, particularly for runners who get tired and shuffle with shorter strides late in a marathon
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"felt a lot more racy than the Edge" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: The faster of the two Metaspeed shoes for the reviewer — a genuinely racy, responsive shoe best suited to shorter race distances from 5K up to half marathon.
Best for: 5K, 10K, and half marathon racing — particularly when going at top speed and striding out for a PB attempt
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"this was surprisingly stable" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: Fordy loved the Edge Tokyo in a 10K race, praising its lightness, energy return, and improved heel stability, and is strongly considering it as his Chicago Marathon race shoe.
Best for: Racing (10K up to marathon) for cadence-focused runners looking for a light, lively race shoe with more forgiving heel stability.
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"It is a snug racing fit" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A clear step up from the Hyperion Elite 4 PB that powered a 1:38 half-marathon for Fordy with legs still feeling fresh; he loves it for half and 10K but wouldn't pick it as his marathon shoe.
Best for: Half marathon and 10K racing for runners who want a light, traditional-feeling super shoe
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"definitely half marathon and below" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: The Vaporfly 4 has shifted out of the marathon pond into the half-marathon-and-below racing pond, and right now it is the reviewer's pick over the Hyperion Elite 4 PB, Deviate Nitro Elite 3, and Metaspeed Sky Paris on the back of its lightness, ground feel, and old-school racing feel.
Best for: Half marathon and below race day for efficient forefoot strikers willing to go all-out.
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"massively unstable in the heel" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A genuinely fast and lightweight racing shoe that rewards forefoot strikers at speed, but far too aggressive and expensive for everyday or average runners; the reviewer loved it for the half marathon but would not consider it for marathon distance.
Best for: Fast forefoot strikers racing half marathon or shorter distances
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"extremely nimble and extremely fast" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A successful return to the more aggressive, racing-focused feel of the original Vaporfly with significant weight drop and reduced stack — excellent for 5k–half marathon, but unsuited for marathon distance, leaving that to the Alphafly.
Best for: Hardcore, fast racing at 5k, 10k, and half marathon distances for runners who want a lightweight, ground-contact-focused racer.
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"a little bit more of a complete package" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A softer, bouncier, more complete racing package than the Elite 2 — the reviewer sides with the Pro 4 as the ultimate marathon shoe for him once sizing is dialed.
Best for: Marathon racing and long marathon-pace training for runners wanting a complete, versatile carbon racer
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"this foam is epic" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A phenomenal, game-changing race shoe with unmatched bounce-back and speed, held back only by the narrow toe box that causes rubbing — reviewer leans toward the Adios Pro 4 as the more complete marathon package.
Best for: Fast racing up to half-marathon for runners who can tolerate the narrow toe box
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"this ride is a lot more bouncy" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A bouncier, more responsive evolution of the Pro 3 that reviewer really enjoys running in, with the only meaningful concern being a slightly shorter fit that may require sizing up.
Best for: Marathon racing and fast workouts for runners who liked the Pro 3 but want a softer, bouncier ride closer to the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2.
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"ones to avoid" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: Flagged among softer foams to avoid for new marathoners prone to form breakdown late in the race.
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"i wouldn't wear that in the marathon" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: Decent racer but stack feels too low for Fordy to recommend for marathon distance.
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"this is a marathon racing shoe" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A cracking, ultralight racer that shines at 5K-half pace with a lively plated ride; possibly too fast-turnover for his marathon preference.
Best for: 5K and half marathon racing for forefoot strikers; borderline for marathon due to fast turnover.
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FORDY RUNS notes: Fordy enjoyed running in it; worthy shout for faster runners alongside the Puma racers.
Best for: Faster marathon runners
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"you can get the wide option" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: Fordy's best overall marathon pick; blends stability, PEBA foam, wide availability, and solid outsole into one versatile race day package.
Best for: Everyday marathoners wanting stability, wide-foot runners, balanced race day pick
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"ones to avoid" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: Fordy warns first-time marathoners away; soft foam can overwork calves and cause cramping late in the race.
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"i think the faster shoe for me" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: Fordy's pick as fastest marathon shoe; lighter build with ATPU foam suits confident, fast runners.
Best for: Confident, faster marathon runners chasing their fastest time
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"more stable, more in control and more forgiving" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: After racing a rainy winter 10K in it, Fordy reverses his earlier stance and now views the Elite 4 as a fast, stable, forgiving racer he is seriously considering for the London Marathon.
Best for: 5K through half marathon racing, and potentially marathon for runners who want stability with speed.
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"pick for the half marathon distance" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A notably lighter refinement of the v3 with a firmer, Fast-R3-adjacent ride that slots in as his pick for half marathon racing.
Best for: Half marathon racing for runners wanting a lighter, slightly less aggressive alternative to the Fast-R Nitro Elite 3
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"those two shoes from pummer are best suited" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: Named among Fordy's fastest owned marathon shoes for faster runners.
Best for: Fast runners chasing marathon PRs
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"new fluted plate design in it" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: Fordy's pick as most stable carbon-plated marathon shoe thanks to new fluted plate design feeling steadier than v4.
Best for: Marathoners wanting a stable, plated race day shoe
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"a stable carbon plated racing shoe" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A forgiving, stable carbon-plated racer that performs under pressure and stands out as the go-to stability super-shoe for 2026, effectively replacing the discontinued New Balance SC Elite v4.
Best for: Everyday marathon and half-marathon racers, heavier runners, and those with mild overpronation seeking a stable carbon-plated racer.
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"the most versatile, competent shoe on a budget" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: Fordy's best-value marathon pick around 120 pounds; versatile, competent, reliable with no issues across his marathons.
Best for: Budget-conscious marathoners wanting a plated race shoe
Easy / recovery 21
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"definitely feels lighter on foot" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A good incremental update that shaves meaningful weight and feels lighter and more responsive than version 27, but the platform is starting to lag behind competitors using newer foams and needs a bigger innovation leap next cycle.
Best for: Runners who liked recent Nimbus versions (25, 26, 27) and want a lighter, faster-feeling max-stack daily trainer.
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"max stack cruising machine" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A genuinely surprising max-cushioned cruiser that's very comfortable underfoot — Fordy prefers it to the Brooks Glycerin Max and Saucony Triumph and rates it one of the best max-stack shoes out right now.
Best for: Easy and recovery miles in marathon training; a comfortable cruiser that can also stretch to long runs at easy pace.
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"more stable than you would think" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A comfortable max-cushion cruiser that is fundamentally the same as the v5 — save the money and buy the v5 instead, and for actual running the Puma MagMax or Skechers Aero Burst are better picks.
Best for: All-day comfort, walking, recovery days, and easy cruising miles
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"Plus definitely has a wider toe box" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: One of the best Nike running shoes in years — full-length ZoomX, wide toe box, stable smooth ride and a strong price make it a credible cheaper alternative to the ASICS Superblast 2.
Best for: Daily training and long runs, especially as a cheaper Superblast 2 alternative for runners wanting a max-cushion ZoomX trainer
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"I would recommend going down half a size" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A clear upgrade over v1 — better upper, better foam system, wider base, and a really enjoyable ride; a lot of shoe for £150.
Best for: Fun, enjoyable daily training and cruising miles at easy to moderate paces
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"such a comfortable daily trainer" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A very comfortable, inherently stable daily trainer for easy miles; minor tweaks over v2 but fundamentally the same shoe.
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"premium plusher daily trainer" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A premium, plush, versatile mile-eater well suited for first half or full marathon training; comfortable and responsive with the new DNA Tuned midsole.
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"best shoes for bigger people" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A worthwhile evolution of v2 with a better-looking softer upper and minor rocker tweaks; remains an excellent stable, comfortable daily trainer for bigger runners or comfort-first runners.
Best for: Heavier runners or anyone prioritizing comfort and stability over speed; great daily workhorse.
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"this is a max stability shoe" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: Still the king of the max-stability shoe world — comfortable, supportive, and versatile — but the only meaningful change is 2mm more foam, making it hard to justify the £180 price tag over the cheaper previous version.
Best for: Overpronators who need maximum stability for daily miles, long runs, and easy-paced training.
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"more alive than previous versions" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: Lost weight versus previous version which is positive, but the midsole feels dated compared to newer max-stack performance shoes; needs a new foam to keep up.
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"absolute bargain" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: Essentially the same ride as V2 with a warmer, lesser upper — an absolute bargain at current clearance prices.
Best for: Bargain max-cushion daily trainer at clearance pricing.
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"much better material" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: An undervalued, versatile max-cushion daily trainer with a stable, pace-flexible ride and an improved breathable upper over V1.
Best for: Versatile daily trainer for easy to marathon-pace miles, especially for heavier runners.
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"plush, comfortable daily trainer" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A meaningful update where the extra forefoot foam and DNA Tuned midsole transform the ride into a nimble, enjoyable daily trainer — let down only by a terrible outsole in frosty conditions.
Best for: Plush daily training and long runs, including picking up the pace to sub-5 min/km.
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"major disappointment" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A major disappointment relative to the Glycerin 23 and the original Glycerin Max; feels heavy and cumbersome.
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"It is built for comfort" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A big disappointment — the DNA Tuned ride is still comfortable but the shoe gained weight, the new upper runs very hot, and at £180 it's outclassed by cheaper alternatives.
Best for: Easy-paced comfort runs, though overheating upper and added weight undermine it.
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"a major letdown" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A major letdown — extremely heavy, extremely warm, terrible upper; reviewer says to skip this version and wait for v3.
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"this is a 1080 version 14" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A comfortable, competent Fresh Foam X daily trainer that essentially recycles the 1080 v14 ride and leans heavily on New Balance's fashion appeal; performance-focused runners have better options at the same price.
Best for: Younger Gen Z runners wanting a crossover daily trainer that also works as a lifestyle shoe.
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"phenomenal for everyday runners" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: Currently the best long-run shoe the reviewer thinks you can buy for the money at £110 — a very strong value alternative to the ASICS Blast range, and a good middle ground for those who want a less soft ride than the Superblast 3.
Best for: Everyday runners who want a great long-run shoe at a lower price and don't want the softness of the Superblast 3 or the narrow fit of the Megablast.
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"done a cracking job with this shoe" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: The pick of the bunch based on price — phenomenal full-length ZoomX, excellent fit, works across weather conditions and long runs, ideal for marathon/half training.
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"It's ridiculous, but I love it" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: Reviewer's favorite of the group with over 50mm stack and two Air Zoom units, but acknowledges at over £200 it's hard to justify over the cheaper Vomero Plus.
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"fits bang on true to size" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A competent, comfortable mild-stability max-cushion daily trainer that does the basics well but lacks innovation; the reviewer would pick the Saucony Hurricane or Nike Structure Plus instead.
Best for: Run-of-the-mill mild stability daily training at easy paces up to half marathon distance.
Speed work 18
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"the one that started the trend" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: Still a phenomenal, trend-setting shoe whose Lightstrike Pro foam he personally prefers for responsiveness, but it narrowly loses the head-to-head to the Deviate Pure on weight, stability, versatility and upper; the original mesh upper remains its weak point.
Best for: Runners with slightly wider feet and midfoot/forefoot strikers who want a responsive plateless super-foam up-tempo trainer
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"very good lightweight up-tempo daily trainer" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: Deliberately left out of the head-to-head because its carbon-infused forefoot H-plate made the comparison unfair, but he calls it a very good lightweight up-tempo daily trainer worth checking out as a different option.
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"At easy pace, this thing was awful" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: The reviewer found the shoe confusing and unable to find a versatile sweet spot despite liking the foam, upper, and outsole. It only worked in a narrow midfoot-strike pace range and was not suitable for easy runs, long runs, or faster sessions, making it a poor super trainer for his running style.
Best for: Runners who naturally midfoot strike and are comfortable with the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro platform
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FORDY RUNS notes: A genuinely good speed trainer that finally finds its niche between the GlideRide Max and the Metaspeed/Metaplus, but the £170 price is hard to justify when a Metaspeed Sky Tokyo is the same price and can also race.
Best for: Threshold workouts, intervals, marathon-pace tempo runs as a dedicated speed trainer in an ASICS rotation between a max-stack daily and a race-day shoe.
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FORDY RUNS notes: Fordy says the Zoom Fly 6 is a great shoe but skews toward race-day rather than versatile training; would like Nike to make it less firm and more exciting.
Best for: Tempo and race-day work for runners who want a toned-down Nike racer
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"much firmer ride than I was expecting" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: Good but unremarkable — the Sonicblast never comes alive and still feels firmer and less peppy than expected after 50 miles; doesn't stand out against rivals and has weak wet-weather outsole grip.
Best for: Heavier runners who benefit from a firmer, stable super-trainer ride.
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"lot firmer than I was expecting" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A stable, firmer super-trainer that's a decent option for bigger runners or mild overpronators, but Fordy was underwhelmed compared to the Megablast and would rather spend up for the Superblast 2 at the same price.
Best for: Heavier runners and mild overpronators who want a firmer, stable super-trainer alternative to the Nike Zoom Fly 6.
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FORDY RUNS notes: Fordy ranks the Zoom Fly 6 #2 of three super-trainers under £150 — a brilliant, racy super-trainer with great outsole and a stabilizing dual-foam midsole; loses #1 to the Boston 13 only on versatility.
Best for: Racy super-trainer for tempo work and budget marathon racing — best of the bunch in this under-£150 roundup
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"responsive, but it's not mushy" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A versatile daily-trainer-focused super trainer that the reviewer prefers over the V4 thanks to improved upper, slightly springier toe-off and added heel stability — the ideal do-everything shoe for the everyday runner, held back only by the £180 price tag.
Best for: The everyday runner who wants one versatile shoe to do daily training, tempo sessions, long runs, and race day — especially a first half marathon.
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"absolute dream" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A fun, uptempo daily trainer with the best upper and outsole of the three, narrowly edged out by the more versatile Novablast 5.
Best for: Runners wanting a firmer, racier daily trainer with a quality upper and outsole
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"fun uptempo daily trainer" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A fun uptempo daily trainer with premium Light Strike Pro foam, but limited in versatility without a plate — best for shorter, faster daily miles rather than long runs or racing.
Best for: Uptempo daily training in the 3-6 mile range and short fun runs up to a 10K
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"more of a super trainer" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A very versatile super trainer thanks to the ZoomX-plus-carbon-plate setup, capable of doing everything from daily miles to race day — the pick if you can only buy one.
Best for: A versatile super trainer that can handle daily training, long runs with goal-pace work, half marathons and marathons
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"hell of a lot of fun" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A genuinely fun and responsive uptempo daily trainer that doesn't justify its hype and gets edged out by the Novablast 5's versatility at a similar price.
Best for: Uptempo daily training and tempo sessions — a fun, responsive shoe at a strong £130 price
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"It really is a phenomenal shoe" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: The lightest and cheapest of the EVO SL lineup; the budget pick that delivers the same Lightstrike Pro performance, though the upper lacks structure and the shoe loses its magic past 10 miles.
Best for: Budget-conscious runners wanting an affordable super trainer for up-tempo daily workouts under 10 miles
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"a very good, competent super trainer" — FORDY RUNS
Best for: First-time half or marathon trainees who want a super trainer for training volume and race day.
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"creates a nice stable ride" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A solid, mildly stable super trainer that fixes the Mach X2's heel problems and rides well across paces, but is undermined by its ~£170 price and increased weight in an oversaturated super trainer category.
Best for: Mild-pronation runners wanting a stable super trainer that can handle both fast and easy paces.
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"fits true to size" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: Fordy calls it the best Kiprun shoe ever made and a phenomenal £99 competitor he prefers over the Saucony Endorphin Azura, with Superblast vibes at half the price.
Best for: A versatile do-it-all trainer that handles a wide pace range from 7 to 9 minute miles at a bargain price.
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"brilliant at easy paces" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A strong all-rounder super-trainer that delivers exactly what the Deviate Nitro line is known for, with a roomier upper and slightly lower drop making it a worthwhile upgrade over v3.
Best for: A one-quiver super-trainer for runners who want a single shoe to handle easy runs, long runs, tempo work, and intervals.
Long run 6
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FORDY RUNS notes: His favorite of the new Skechers running lineup — extremely comfortable, stable max-stack daily for easy/recovery miles at strong £140 value.
Best for: Easy and recovery miles where comfort and stability matter more than pace
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"made it a bit unstable for some" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A dual-foam marathon training shoe with a PEBA top layer over DNA Flash; heavy at ~312g and expensive, with a midfoot cutout that can feel unstable, but the reviewer personally likes it.
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"surprisingly stable for the stack height" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A game-changing improvement over the X1 and X2 that puts a massive smile on the reviewer's face, but it's a specialist shoe only worth the high price for runners who can consistently hit faster paces on a midfoot or forefoot strike.
Best for: Midfoot/forefoot runners at 8 min/mile (5 min/km) pace or faster; half marathons and possibly 10Ks for runners who want cutting-edge max-stack tech.
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"this is a long run shoe for me" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A well-cushioned, durable super-trainer that slots in perfectly as a long-run and marathon-training shoe, though its weight, heavy-pronator-unfriendly medial cutout, limited versatility, and $200 price make it a narrow recommendation.
Best for: Marathon training long runs at goal pace for neutral or mild pronators, including heavier runners
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FORDY RUNS notes: His favorite of the 2025 Skechers lineup — heavy max-stack daily that's extremely comfortable for easy/recovery miles, well-priced at £140 against shoes like the Hoka Clifton 10.
Best for: Easy and recovery miles where comfort matters more than weight
trail light 2
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"the most versatile shoe is the ATR" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: The most versatile EVO SL thanks to 1.5mm lugs and a 40/34 stack, handling road and light trail well; heavier than the OG but the reviewer prefers a Salomon alternative for trail.
Best for: Runners who want one versatile shoe for road, gravel and light trail
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"I can get pace out of it" — FORDY RUNS
FORDY RUNS notes: A genius winterized spin on the Evo SL that keeps the same ride while adding a grippier Continental outsole, water-repellent upper, and much-improved laces — a strong winter training pick at £140.
Best for: Autumn and winter running on wet, leafy, frosty, or lightly slick pathways.