Kofuzi
Kofuzi has reviewed 146 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 59
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"a Goldilocks experience" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: An excellent, lightweight, versatile and fun daily trainer that nails performance, recommendability and a $150 price; Kofuzi's running shoe of the year, strongest across the broad band of everyday paces that make up most weekly running.
Best for: A lightweight, versatile, fun daily trainer for a wide array of neutral runners across the easy-to-tempo band of paces
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"they didn't mess it up" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A predictable, reliable but barely-changed update that is great for walkers and heel strikers; Kofuzi feels he is not the intended audience and finds it about one tariff too expensive at $150, recommending the discounted Ghost 17 instead.
Best for: Walkers, heel strikers, and anyone on their feet all day
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"most exciting shoe that Brooks has released this year" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: Kofuzi calls the Glycerin Flex the most exciting shoe Brooks has released this year, praising its ability to deliver both cushioned easy running and tempo-capable bounce in a single shoe — exactly what he hoped the Hyperion Max 4 would be.
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"even more stabilized than the Sky Flow" — Kofuzi
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"isn't my favorite Clifton" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: Hoka's flagship daily trainer, but this version feels slightly stabilized and is not the reviewer's favorite Clifton — he would drop it first from his Hoka rotation.
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"a lot lighter, a lot bouncier" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A lighter, speed-oriented daily trainer alternative to the Clifton, but feels underwhelming given it's essentially the same as the Mach 6 after a two-year wait.
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"a comfy daily trainer" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: An excellent update that keeps the soft cushy character of v1 but adds enough energy to function as a proper daily trainer — albeit limited at faster paces.
Best for: Comfortable daily training, recovery runs, and long time-on-feet efforts at easy paces
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"comfortable but not mushy" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: The Triumph 23 is back on track as a comfortable but not mushy max-cushion-leaning daily trainer; a reliable option, though the $170 price (up $10 from last year) feels a bit high.
Best for: Runners who want a more cushioned daily trainer that can still do daily training work, not just recovery runs.
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"i do like it for longer runs" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: #5 long-run shoe. Hard to categorize — Kofuzi puts it here for long runs with some pace.
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"more boxy, a little bit more clunky" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: Most disappointing #5 of 2025. Reverted to old Clifton ways — boxier, clunkier, more stable than v9. Didn't need to become another light-stability shoe when HOKA already has the Skyflow and Arahi.
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Kofuzi notes: #2 daily trainer. Cushioned but stable without being too wide — Goldilocks of lightness/cushion/speed.
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Kofuzi notes: #1 max-cushion shoe of 2025. Feels like a daily trainer with extra cushion and is also a great pure max-cushion shoe. Comfy when comfort's needed, peppy when it's not.
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"got significantly better year-over-year" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: #3 daily trainer. Kept the ground-feel of previous Velocity Nitros but added pep and lightness via new ATPU midsole.
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"kind of feels almost like a throwback" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: #1 underrated. Low-to-the-ground, firm but responsive daily trainer that can pick up the pace. Feels like a throwback (in a good way).
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"very stable for me" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: The best Ghost Kofuzi has tried since the Ghost Max 1 — a welcome update with a more modern 10mm drop, softer-feeling DNA Loft v3, and helpful flex grooves, though still slightly firm and annoyingly bumped to $150.
Best for: Neutral runners (and mild overpronators) who want a durable, stable, predictable daily trainer; worth revisiting even if you haven't liked past Ghosts.
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"fun and fast daily trainer" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: Kofuzi is more excited about the Rebel v5 the more miles he puts in; it's a fun, fast, pace-versatile daily trainer that holds up well at 100 miles and is one of his favorite shoes of 2025.
Best for: Recovery runs during marathon training, daily training, and pace-versatile runs including fartleks and intervals
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"almost cozy friend" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: One of Kofuzi's favorite max-cushion shoes in a long time — soft and comfortable without being mushy, holding up well at 100 miles aside from a smelly upper and average outsole wear.
Best for: Recovery runs and easy long runs during marathon training where cushion and comfort matter more than pace.
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"set it and forget it kind of shoe" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: An iterative refinement — leaner, less flared heel, more padding — but still positioned as a long-run-friendly workhorse rather than the classic tempo Boston Kofuzi wants. Set-it-and-forget-it for the right runner; less rewarding for those wanting the historical Boston identity.
Best for: Bigger and heavier runners looking for a reliable daily workhorse and long-run shoe — the firm Lightstrike Pro/Lightstrike stack rewards more aggressive heel and midfoot landings.
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"max cushion cruiser" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A wonderful modern max-cushion shoe — comfy, cushioned, reasonably stable, and not too heavy at $160 for an all-PEBA midsole.
Best for: Everyday runs, long runs, and recovery runs for runners wanting max cushion comfort that isn't too squishy.
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"a shoe that just feels flat" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A disappointing update for runners — the move to an 8mm drop without upgrading the flat, dull compression molded EVA makes the Clifton 10 feel clunky and pushes it toward the Brooks Ghost crowd rather than the fun, versatile Clifton 9.
Best for: Walkers, run-walkers and runners who prefer a lower-stack, firmer, higher-drop traditional daily trainer
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"very peppy and fun turnover" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: Kofuzi says the Rebel v5 keeps the essence of the v4 while adding cushion and confidence for longer runs; it's an excellent, versatile daily trainer that got a little better.
Best for: Daily training, recovery, and long runs that can also handle fartleks, threshold work, and marathon-effort long runs
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"fantastic for easy running" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: The Hyperion 3 shifts from a firm tempo/workout shoe into a soft, springy, versatile daily trainer, and is one of Kofuzi's favorite daily trainers on the market right now.
Best for: A versatile daily trainer for easy runs, recovery miles, and tempo workouts.
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"a little bit on the slim side" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: Kofuzi considers the Velocity Nitro 4 an upgrade that injects personality into Puma's daily trainer line thanks to the new full Nitrofoam midsole, and recommends paying the $140 over a discounted v3.
Best for: Neutral runners looking for a lively, fun, under-$150 daily trainer that can also stretch to early-season strides and tempo work.
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Kofuzi notes: Nike is finally committing to the Vomero as a real max-cushion shoe — reviewer enjoyed it and likes the direction; reasonable value at $150.
Best for: Runners who want a true max-cushion daily trainer with bounce and a smooth transition; a real change from prior Vomeros that felt more like a 'GT Pegasus'.
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"one of my favorite daily trainers" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A perennial favorite daily trainer that is holding up well after 100 miles, with fresh-feeling foam and only minor outsole wear; the chunky, puffy heel makes it less ideal for picking up the pace.
Best for: Versatile daily trainer for easy runs, longer efforts, and light workouts; useful as a travel shoe
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Kofuzi notes: Kofuzi recommends the ForeverRun Nitro 2 as an enjoyable, bouncy light-stability daily trainer that works for both runners who need stability and neutral runners who don't, with a noticeable shift toward more energy and pace versatility versus the softer v1.
Best for: Neutral runners or runners needing light stability who want a versatile, bouncy daily trainer for a wide range of paces.
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Kofuzi notes: On fixed the sloppy upper and squeak complaints from v1, but in doing so shifted the shoe from a soft chill daily trainer toward a firmer, snappier tempo-leaning trainer.
Best for: Runners who want a snappy, agile daily trainer that can also handle tempo workouts.
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"an excellent example of a daily" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A faithful Novablast successor with the new FF Blast Max foam delivering cushion and bounce that bridges v3 and v4 preferences; an excellent set-it-and-forget-it daily trainer.
Best for: Daily training, recovery/everyday running, light workouts, fartleks, strides
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"fun fast long run shoe" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: An upgraded long-run shoe with a wider sweet spot than V1 thanks to the FF Turbo Plus over FF Blast Plus Eco stack; excels from easy up to marathon pace but is not meant for sub-half-marathon paces.
Best for: Long runs with some faster work, and easy/recovery miles for neutral runners
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"an easy run with strides" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: Kofuzi says the Rebel v4 has only gotten better over 100 miles — foam still feels fresh, outsole and upper are holding up well despite reduced rubber coverage, and it remains a versatile daily trainer that can handle fast pickups.
Best for: Easy runs with strides and longer easy runs; handles pace pickups well
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"borderline a half size too big" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: Kofuzi says the v4 is one of the best daily trainers of 2024 but the extra width and borderline oversize fit make it less nimble for speed work — for Rebel lovers he actually recommends grabbing the discounted v3 first.
Best for: Easy daily training; top end of easy paces
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Kofuzi notes: Number 5 daily trainer of 2024 — excellent for high school/college cross country runners and 5K-half marathon trainees who want a light, agile shoe under an hour.
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Kofuzi notes: Fun, fast, nimble daily trainer; the doubled Lightstrike Pro makes it noticeably bouncier and softer than v1 and worth the $130. Best for easy days, strides, and shorter workouts; not a long-run shoe.
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Kofuzi notes: Number 5 daily trainer of 2024 — excellent for high school/college cross country runners and 5K-half marathon trainees who want a light, agile shoe under an hour.
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Kofuzi notes: Fun, fast, nimble daily trainer; the doubled Lightstrike Pro makes it noticeably bouncier and softer than v1 and worth the $130. Best for easy days, strides, and shorter workouts; not a long-run shoe.
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"Boost is back" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: Kofuzi calls the Hyperboost Edge the Ultraboost he always wanted Adidas to make: a soft, bouncy, surprisingly fast max-cushion trainer with wide pace versatility.
Best for: Versatile max-cushion daily training, speedy long runs, and a comfortable non-plated marathon option.
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"excellent speedy long run shoe" — Kofuzi
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"ideally suited for long runs" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A fun, light, bouncy daily trainer that excels at long runs and uptempo work, holding up exceptionally well at 100 miles despite a steep $225 price.
Best for: Long runs, medium-long runs with uptempo miles, and daily training up to marathon pace.
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"really loves to pick up the pace" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: Kofuzi enthusiastically recommends the Megablast as the lightest and bounciest shoe in the Blast family, an ideal long-run shoe that revives the peppy feel of the original Super Blast v1.
Best for: Long runs with workout miles at half marathon, marathon, or uptempo effort, or as a comfort-prioritized racing option.
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Kofuzi notes: Number 2 daily trainer of 2024 — bigger jump in foam quality than expected, more spacious upper.
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Kofuzi notes: Number 2 daily trainer of 2024 — bigger jump in foam quality than expected, more spacious upper.
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Kofuzi notes: Number 2 daily trainer of 2024 — bigger jump in foam quality than expected, more spacious upper.
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"ultimate doit all kind of shoe" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A versatile do-it-all shoe that continues the Superblast tradition — excels from recovery pace through marathon effort, with the FF Leap upgrade making it especially rewarding at faster paces, though $210 is pricey.
Best for: Speedy long runs and marathon-effort miles, while also serving as a comfortable max-cushion or daily trainer.
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"a stability version of the ghost" — Kofuzi
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"a little bit on the firm side" — Kofuzi
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"a lot peppier than the glycerin" — Kofuzi
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"more nimble and more energetic" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: Not a gimmick: a more neutral, more energetic and lighter take on the Glycerin that nudges it into long-run territory, better as a Glycerin supplement than a replacement.
Best for: Longtime Glycerin fans who want a lighter, more nimble, more uptempo version of the Glycerin for long runs with some faster miles.
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"lighter than the ghost" — Kofuzi
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"best suited for mid-foot strikers" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A lightweight, nimble daily trainer that feels essentially unchanged from the Mach 6 and now feels dated next to 2026 competitors using PEBA, Light Strike Pro, or aliphatic TPU.
Best for: Mid-foot strikers who want a lightweight, no-nonsense daily trainer and prefer a throwback feel over modern supercritical foams.
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"second favorite of the triplet" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A grounded, firm-but-poppy racer that evokes the original Metaspeed Sky and earns the reviewer's second-favorite slot in the Hyperwarp triplet.
Best for: Midfoot/forefoot strikers wanting a grounded race-flat-style modern racer.
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"pleasantly soft and feels modern" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: An updated, more modern-feeling Wave Rider that's accessible to a wider range of runners while keeping the line's familiar character.
Best for: Runners who liked older Brooks Ghost or older ASICS Cumulus models and want an updated, accessible daily trainer.
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"a really premium daily trainer" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: Kofuzi's favorite 1080 to date — the new Infinion foam makes it a comfortable, lighter premium daily trainer that exemplifies what max cushion should feel like in 2026.
Best for: Premium max-cushion daily training, easy runs, and recovery runs — especially when accumulated fatigue makes comfort the priority.
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"engineered for long runs" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: Kofuzi calls it the best of the three Cloudmonster 3 models and an excellent grand-touring long run/daily trainer that is soft yet still snappy, though slightly heavy and lacking pop for true marathon-effort work.
Best for: Long runs and comfortable daily training, including long runs with some uptempo pickups
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"great long run shoe" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: Kofuzi recommends the Cloudmonster 3 Hyper LightSpray as an excellent non-plated long run and marathon racing option that gets better the faster you run, though it is firmer than its chunky looks suggest and the $280 price is steep.
Best for: Speedy weekend long runs and non-elite marathon racing for runners wanting a non-plated, lightweight, high-stack option with comfort for longer times on feet.
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"the foam has firmed up" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A subtle update that firms the foam and nudges the MagMax toward a long run shoe with pep, but the weight keeps it straddling the line between max-cushion and long-run rather than fully committing to either.
Best for: Taller/heavier runners wanting a tall-stack long run shoe with some pep for steady and marathon-pace work
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"tall, stable, and predictable" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: Kofuzi calls the Azura the shoe that finally fills the third Endorphin slot — a versatile, tall, bouncy long run shoe at a refreshing $150 that he recommends to a wide variety of runners.
Best for: Speedy long runs and versatile daily training for neutral runners seeking a tall, bouncy, up-tempo-capable trainer.
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"cushioned but not mushy" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: The best Ride Kofuzi has run in; a soft, bouncy, genuinely neutral daily trainer ideal for easy and recovery days.
Best for: Neutral daily training and recovery runs
Road racing 37
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Kofuzi notes: A lightweight, fully-kitted racer with PEBA and a carbon plate, optimal for midfoot/forefoot strikers.
Best for: Midfoot/forefoot strikers on race day
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"the racing shoe for kind of everyday runners" — Kofuzi
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"lightweight and fast yet cushioned racing shoe" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: Kofuzi considers the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo an excellent marathon racer that combines cushion and speed effectively, holding up well through 100 miles with consistent ride quality and plenty of life remaining.
Best for: Marathon racing and threshold workouts for forefoot/midfoot strikers who want a balanced yet aggressive racing shoe
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"really quick turnover kind of shoe" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: An excellent race shoe and one of Kofuzi's favorites of 2026, retaining the speed and light weight that made the Elite 3 great while becoming more accessible to forefoot strikers — though heel strikers who loved the v3's aggressive geometry may find the updates a slight compromise.
Best for: Heel strikers and forefoot strikers racing from 5K to half marathon; ideally suited for VO2max work through threshold pace
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"light and fast update" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: An excellent update that bumps the aggression and lightness of an already-favorite race shoe; Kofuzi prefers the 3.0 over the 2.0 personally.
Best for: Marathon racing for midfoot strikers wanting an aggressive, lightweight, bouncy super shoe. World Athletics compliant at sample size 10.
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"lightweight and snappy experience" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: Kofuzi views the Takumi Sen 11 as a lightweight, snappy 5K/10K racing shoe using LightStrike Pro and energy rods — more aggressive than the DV84 and best used for hard workouts rather than days with easy miles mixed in.
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Kofuzi notes: #3 carbon racer. Incredibly light, very dynamic foam. Set a women's world marathon best at Valencia, but John Korir DNF'd Chicago in it — very specific shoe for specific runners.
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Kofuzi notes: #2 carbon marathon racer. Kofuzi raced NYC in it and had a fantastic race. Dynamic, quick, snappy, light.
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"still very fun for running very fast" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: #4 carbon racer. Brings Vaporfly closer to Alphafly aesthetic — execution issues but still fun at fast paces. Extremely lightweight.
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"very aggressive carbon fiber plate" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: #1 carbon marathon racer of 2025. Lightweight, aggressive, springing up front — fixed what v2 had wrong and maintained v2's goodness.
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"a little bit too mushy" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: #3 long-run pick (not used as a race shoe). Mushy — great compression but slow decompression. Ideal for 20-mile steady with marathon-effort miles.
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"even racier race shoe" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A toned-down Evo that trades some of v1's magic for more normal durability at the same $500 price. Still one of the most aggressive shoes on the market, but the shrinking gap to the regular Adios Pro makes it a harder $500 sell, and the Metaspeed Ray at $300 is a preferred alternative for runners who like a squishier dynamic feel.
Best for: Runners who consistently land in the shoe's narrow sweet spot (forefoot/pushoff or clean midfoot roll) and are chasing a pinnacle race-day tool and have the budget for it.
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"standing on a crumple zone" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: Kofuzi's dream racer — extraordinary 4.5oz weight, FF Blast that smushes and rebounds without feeling mushy, paper-thin Matryx upper. At $300, a bargain vs the $500 Adios Pro Evos.
Best for: Marathon to 5K racing for runners who like a soft, fast-rebounding underfoot feel — slight tilt toward forefoot/midfoot strikers who prefer the Metaspeed Sky character.
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"more forgiving than it was last year" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: Kofuzi's perennial favorite 5K/10K racer is softer and more forgiving than the Sen 10 while still feeling agile and low to the ground, and the subtle year-over-year changes bring the experience back closer to the older Takumis he loved.
Best for: 5K and 10K road racing, plus threshold mile repeats and faster marathon workouts for runners who don't race many 5Ks/10Ks
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"fantastic shoe for the half marathon" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: Brooks's first legitimately competitive super shoe, best suited for heel strikers or runners wanting a more stable racing option; pricing at $275 feels high.
Best for: Heel strikers or midfoot strikers looking for a more stable super shoe for 5K through marathon racing.
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"much softer than the identically named DNA Gold" — Kofuzi
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"specifically designed for heel strikers" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: The most compelling Metaspeed Edge yet — FF Leap makes it more cushioned, springier and lighter, and broadens its appeal beyond pure heel strikers, though Kofuzi still finds the Sky a better fit for his forefoot strike.
Best for: Heel strikers racing the marathon, and the most forefoot-striker-friendly Metaspeed Edge yet
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Kofuzi notes: The fastest shoe in the world by many accounts; unique Air Zoom + ZoomX combo.
Best for: Marathon racing — holds men's and women's marathon world records.
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Kofuzi notes: Major redesign that reviewer is enjoying — leans more toward the original Next% feel.
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"a really fun option for me" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: Kofuzi's marathon pick. Sentimental — has PRs in the Sky Plus. The aliphatic TPU addition brings back snappiness that felt missing in the Sky Paris while keeping cushion for 26.2.
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"another really lightweight shoe" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: Kofuzi's half-marathon pick (given he doesn't have the Metaspeed Ray yet). Lightweight with really bouncy forefoot — harder charging races work well. Probably good for marathon for many runners too.
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"feels like a toy" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A marathon-capable upgrade over v1 — same featherweight 138g / 4.8oz package, but the later/steeper rocker makes this a forefoot-striker shoe (more like Adios Pro 3 than the Tacumi-like Evo 1). Still $500, still not for most runners, but Kofuzi now considers it a marathon shoe for the masses — if you can absorb the price.
Best for: Forefoot-striking runners who will use the shoe from 5K through marathon distances and have $500 to spend. Unlike v1, v2 is now viable for non-elites at the marathon distance.
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"powerful shoe for stomping on that forefoot" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: The Fast R3 strips everything non-essential from the Fast R2 and delivers a lighter, more race-focused shoe that Kofuzi considers one of the best racing options of 2025, particularly for forefoot strikers who want a powerful, exhilarating ride at marathon effort and beyond.
Best for: Forefoot strikers racing at marathon pace and faster
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"a little bit too soft" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A bold, very soft update that sacrifices top-end race performance for comfort; fun to run in but missing the aggressive pop Kofuzi wants in a racer, making the original Elite 1 his preferred version.
Best for: Forefoot-striking neutral runners at marathon and submarathon paces who want maximum softness for racing
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Best for: Marathon racing; verdict deferred to 2025 list.
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Best for: Elites and runners whose footstrike lines up with the airpod placement.
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Kofuzi notes: Kofuzi calls it the best marathon shoe On has ever made — fast, exceptionally lightweight (6.6 oz men's 9), and more runnable than prior On racers — but at $330 he can only recommend it to dedicated shoe nerds and collectors.
Best for: Marathon racing for shoe nerds and collectors willing to pay premium; Kofuzi's pick over the standard Cloudboom Strike for the marathon distance.
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"lighter and faster shoe" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A lighter, faster update that blends the best of the Adios Pro 3 and the Evo 1 into a great marathon racer Kofuzi thinks non-elites will especially gravitate toward.
Best for: Race day, biggest workouts, and marathon racing for non-elite runners as well as pros.
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Kofuzi notes: A 10K-to-half marathon racer rather than a true marathon super shoe in Kofuzi's view; very responsive but lacks the dynamic cushion he wants for sustained marathon efforts, and at $280 feels overpriced versus Metaspeed Edge Paris and Adios Pro 3.
Best for: Efficient runners targeting 10K to half-marathon races who want more cushion than the Cloudboom Echo 3 but don't need a soft Alphafly-style ride.
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"more snappy and a lot more fun" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A meaningful improvement over the original Vanish Carbon — full-length carbon plate, real rubber outsole, more stack — but Kofuzi finds it not quite rigid enough to compete with top-tier carbon racers, and at $260 thinks it's overpriced.
Best for: Zero-drop runners and runners doing road or mixed-surface ultra distances who want a comfortable but fast carbon racer
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"less would have been more" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A smooth and approachable carbon racer that Kofuzi will still recommend widely, though he personally prefers the Pro 3's extra pop — the HG top layer mutes the beaded PEBA bounce he was hoping would shine through.
Best for: Runners wanting an approachable carbon plated racer that is smoother and more cushioned than the Pro 3
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"a racing caliber foam" — Kofuzi
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"a light and snappy race day shoe" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A light, snappy, stable race-day shoe that Kofuzi thinks is well-built but isn't suited to his forefoot-striking gait; he recommends it for heel strikers who want stability in a racer.
Best for: Heel strikers or runners wanting more stability in a race-day shoe, particularly at marathon effort.
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"favorite of the triplet" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: Reviewer's favorite of the Hyperwarp triplet — evokes the Metaspeed Sky Plus he set his marathon PR in.
Best for: Forefoot-striking racers who want a firm, poppy, lower-stack modern racer.
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"feels like it's too neutral" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A race flat in modern clothing that's too neutral and unstructured for the reviewer — needs strong feet to run well in.
Best for: Strong-footed racers who want a near-race-flat experience.
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"more pop in the midsole foam" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A meaningful upgrade — lighter, poppier, and more race-ready than v4 while staying comfortable and beginner-friendly — though not quite aggressive enough for Kofuzi's personal top tier of marathon racers.
Best for: Marathon and half-marathon racing, plus threshold and VO2 workouts — especially for runners wanting a forgiving, accessible super shoe rather than the most aggressive option.
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"a little bit on the soft side" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A subtle upper-focused update that is essentially the same shoe as the Pro 4 with a $15 tariff-driven price bump; capable but less aggressive than peers, and Kofuzi suggests grabbing discounted Pro 4s instead.
Best for: Midfoot and heel strikers wanting a less aggressive, more stable race shoe.
Easy / recovery 21
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"refreshingly bouncy max cushion shoe" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: Skyward X 2 finally clarifies what the shoe is — a premium, bouncy, max-cushion daily/recovery shoe. Trimmed stack and new carbon framework let the PEBA layer breathe.
Best for: Runners who like the Bondi 9 character but want it more energetic, softer, and bouncier — premium max-cushion for easy days, long runs, and recovery.
- HOKA Bondi 9 ▲▲
"a little bit of bounciness" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: An excellent max cushion shoe that nails the balance between cushion and bounce without feeling mushy.
Best for: Max cushion easy and recovery days
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"a lot more lively" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: The Bondi 9 is a meaningful upgrade over previous versions thanks to the Super Critical EVA foam, making it livelier and lighter while retaining max cushion comfort. Kofuzi found it equally enjoyable at 100 miles as on day one, a first for any Bondi he has tested.
Best for: Recovery runs, easy runs, and general daily training where comfort and cushion are prioritized over pace
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"trying to out Bondi the Bondi" — Kofuzi
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"a leaner, meaner Nimbus" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: Kofuzi finds the Nimbus 28 a leaner, more enjoyable max-cushion daily trainer than the 27, with welcome midsole geometry and weight updates, though he thinks the $170 price is too high.
Best for: Max-cushion easy daily training, recovery runs, treadmill miles, and all-day comfort.
- HOKA Bondi 9 ▲▲
"a shoe that was tall for a reason" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: #2 max-cushion shoe of 2025. Modernized from 'tall for tall's sake' to tall-with-purpose — cushion, softness, peppy bounce. No longer feels run-walky.
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"very comfortable, very cushioned max cushion shoe" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: #3 max-cushion shoe of 2025. Plastic plate is reconfigured to be less assertive — foam is now the star. Comfortable knit upper. More forefoot-striker-friendly than v1.
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"a little less peppy" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: #4 long-run shoe — slid down from where the Invincible 3 sat. Less peppy than predecessor, slightly heavier, overly padded tongue/heel.
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"threaded the needle just right" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A comfortable max-cushion shoe that returns to feeling like a runner's shoe after the previous version leaned too far toward walking; not for fast running but one of the better years of the More franchise.
Best for: Max-cushion easy and recovery runs, plus all-day comfort for walking and standing
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"so enjoyably squishy" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A comfortable max-cushion option that improves on v1 by taming the plate — pleasant for recovery and LSD but not snappy enough to be a true long-run workout shoe at $200.
Best for: Max-cushion long slow distance and recovery miles for a wide range of runners
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"it's a Glycerin Max Mini" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: An improvement over v2 that takes some of what was great about Ghost Max 1 but settles into a middle-ground compromise — a solid plush daily trainer that doesn't quite live up to v1's bolder identity.
Best for: Daily training, easy runs, recovery runs, run-walkers, and walkers — especially heel/midfoot strikers wanting plush comfort without the bulk of a full max-cush shoe.
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"size up in the Bondi 9" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A meaningful modernization of the Bondi with a softer super critical EVA and updated structure, though it still feels firmer than its step-in suggests; unclear whether this is a full reinvention or a midway step.
Best for: Runners wanting a tall-stack, stable, cushioned shoe for easy and recovery days, or people who found previous Bondis too firm
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"comfortable Max cushion experience" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: The Glideride Max is a soft, comfortable max-cushion cruiser that rolls well and is essentially the Nimbus Kofuzi was hoping for — great for recovery, easy, and long runs, though a bit heavy and pricey at $170.
Best for: Recovery runs, easy runs, and long slow distance where you want maximum comfort rather than pace.
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Kofuzi notes: An enjoyable max-cushion easy/recovery trainer that holds up well over 100 miles; On's experimentation with Cloud Phase and a reduced speedboard pays off.
Best for: Pampering recovery and easy days for runners who want max cushion without harshness from a full speedboard.
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"a little bit more firm than i'd like" — Kofuzi
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"still a glycerin" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A comfortable, durable, mildly stabilized max-cushion shoe that still runs firmer than Kofuzi prefers; longtime Glycerin fans will be happy, but it is not a dramatic upgrade over the Glycerin 22.
Best for: Recovery runs, double-run days, and bigger/taller runners who want a stable, durable, comfortable max-cushion shoe on tired legs
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"super chill, very comfortable max cushion shoe" — Kofuzi
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"feels like a big step backwards" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A good max-cushion shoe on its own merits, but a sensible, less eccentric successor that feels like a step back from the beloved Glycerin Max 1 and is hard to justify at $200.
Best for: Daily training, recovery, and long runs for fans of the Ghost/Glycerin wanting extra plush cushioning.
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"squishy mushy side of foam" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A taller, plated max-cushion shoe that improves on Neo Vista 1 and can comfortably pick up the pace for long runs.
Best for: Max-cushion long runs and easy days where you still want some pace flexibility.
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Kofuzi notes: A comfortable max-cushion daily option that pleasantly surprised on softness without going overboard.
Best for: Beat-up recovery days, larger/taller runners, and fans of older Hoka Bondi who don't like its newer direction.
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"pleasant daily trainer" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A pleasant, accessible daily trainer that evokes the old Fresh Foam X 1080 at a lower price, though it lacks modern rocker geometry and may feel a bit rough on the body at faster paces.
Best for: Versatile, accessible daily trainer for neutral heel/midfoot strikers who liked older Fresh Foam X 1080s and want a stylish everyday shoe at a lower price.
Speed work 17
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"a shoe that I tend to not really get along with" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A PEBA-top, super-critical-bottom shoe with a winged carbon plate for stability rather than speed; Kofuzi doesn't personally get along with it but notes it is very popular with heel strikers and heavier runners for daily training, tempo, and marathon racing — and its lighter weight makes it the better pick for speed-focused use over the Hyperion Max 4.
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"low-slung, almost like a race flat" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A meaningfully reworked Magic Speed — trimmed stack, more premium FF Leap-style foam, race-flat feel — that rewards heel strikers and tempo work but felt too firm and unprotective at easy paces for forefoot strikers.
Best for: Heel and midfoot strikers looking for a tempo / up-tempo shoe that can also race 5K-10K distances.
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"heel strikers love this shoe" — Kofuzi
Best for: Heel strikers wanting a slightly stabilized tempo shoe
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"an excellent tempo shoe" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: The DV84 is a substantial upgrade over prior versions, softening the ride while retaining responsiveness, making it more versatile as both a tempo and daily trainer shoe. Kofuzi rates it an excellent choice for uptempo and fartlek work, though notes the $170 price is $10 more than he feels it should be.
Best for: Tempo runs and hard workouts for runners wanting a versatile shoe that can also handle daily training
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"a daily trainer that can go fast" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: Kofuzi considers the Endorphin Speed 5 one of his top tempo shoes — softer and more daily-trainer-leaning than the DV84, using beaded PEBA foam and a plastic plate for a lightweight, peppy yet cushioned ride.
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"feels really dynamic" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: Kofuzi's Shoe of the Year 2025. #1 daily trainer — light, cushioned, dynamic modern foam, fun to run in, looks great. Versatile across race/long-run/daily-trainer categories.
Best for: Anyone wanting one do-it-all shoe
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"comfortable. it's peppy. it's lightweight" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: #1 tempo shoe. Best Zoom Fly ever made — fun for daily training and excellent at going fast. Comfortable, peppy, lightweight.
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"very fun shoe for both daily training" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: #3 tempo shoe. Does both daily training and workouts — fun at fast paces. Could be more aggressive for workouts.
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"lowest stack height shoe" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A cheaper, flatter 'knockdown' of the Takumi Sen with no energy rods — a neutral race-flat option Kofuzi rates highly enough to have bought one for his daughter to race in.
Best for: 5K road races and shorter, and track workouts for runners who want a fast, low-to-the-ground race flat without spikes or energy rods
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"stabilized Nova Blast" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: Kofuzi finds the Sonicblast doesn't work for him as a forefoot striker — it feels cumbersome, heavy, and sluggish at faster paces, best suited to heel strikers wanting a stabilized Novablast.
Best for: Heel strikers who wanted a plated, stabilized Novablast feeling; those who found the regular Novablast too chaotic or squishy
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"really fun tempo shoe" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A subtle but meaningful refinement of an already excellent shoe; the slight firming and narrowing make it more nimble and bouncy at faster paces while retaining everyday comfort.
Best for: Everyday runner who wants a versatile tempo shoe with excellent pace range, or as a non-carbon race option for longer marathon race times
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Kofuzi notes: Versatile and exciting daily trainer; price is too high at $180 — better to wait for discount.
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Kofuzi notes: One of the best Zoom Flies the reviewer has tested in a long time — fantastic update; would prefer $160 price tag.
Best for: Workout/tempo days plus daily training in a single shoe — pairs well with a race-day Vaporfly.
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"definitely runs like a turbo" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A genuine spiritual successor to the Pegasus Turbo with familiar shape and feel; not as big a foam upgrade as paper specs suggest, but still really fun and an exciting Baseline reset for the Turbo lineage.
Best for: Versatile daily trainer for runners who liked the original Pegasus Turbo and want a Nike non-plated shoe for easy days and workouts on road or track.
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Kofuzi notes: Kofuzi calls it the best Magic Speed ASICS has made and the training companion he has been waiting for, but notes the tempo-shoe market is crowded and the Deviate Nitro 2 still edges it for him at $10 less.
Best for: Tempo and threshold workouts, mile repeats, half- and full-marathon training blocks; suits Metaspeed Sky-leaning runners and bigger/taller runners who want extra firmness across paces.
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Kofuzi notes: Number 3 daily trainer of 2024 — successful PEBA-foam daily trainer (formerly Pegasus Turbo).
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"fun and fast tempo shoe" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A significant upgrade to the old Razor 3 that leverages aliphatic TPU into a versatile, lightweight tempo shoe, and at $140 one of the best values in running in 2026.
Best for: Speedy long runs, threshold, VO2 max and 5K-pace workouts; a non-carbon racing option for those who want a plateless speed shoe.
Long run 12
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"a little bit more pliable and a little bit more agreeable to run in" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: Kofuzi considers the Hyperion Max 3 a pretty good shoe and strongly prefers it over the Max 4, finding it more pliable, less rigid, and more agreeable across a range of paces.
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"a little bit denser than it needs to be" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: A comparable tall-stack daily trainer to the Hyperion Max 4 using PEBA-blend FuelCell and a full carbon plate; feels a bit dense and sluggish to Kofuzi but is popular with heavier runners seeking marathon support, and offers slightly more flexibility than the Max 4.
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Kofuzi notes: #2 long-run shoe. Aggressive, tall, rule-breaking — excellent for marathon long runs.
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Kofuzi notes: #4 max-cushion shoe of 2025 (reclassified from tempo/long-run). Kofuzi uses it primarily for recovery runs — expensive recovery shoe but a good one.
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"very fun shoe to run in" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: Kofuzi calls the Prime X 3 Strung the wildest and now his favorite Prime X — a fun, slightly dangerous, genuinely useful long-run shoe rather than a gimmick, though at $300 it's not for most runners.
Best for: Long runs with mixed marathon-effort and easy miles, shoe enthusiasts, and heavier runners who worry about blasting through regular carbon-plated shoes.
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"It's just a lot more firm" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: The Cloudsurfer Max is a firmer, larger version of the Cloud Eclipse that brings more brand consistency to On's lineup but loses the dynamic softness that made the Eclipse special; Kofuzi prefers the Cloud Eclipse and recommends finding old stock at a discount.
Best for: Saturday long runs for runners who like On's brand feel and prefer a firmer, taller daily trainer
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Kofuzi notes: A genuinely good max-cushion shoe with delightful Hyperburst Ice foam and great value at $150, but Kofuzi's enthusiasm is tempered by Skechers' brand baggage as an inspiration-borrower.
Best for: Recovery runs and long time-on-feet efforts where comfort matters more than pace
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"a bit on the heavy side" — Kofuzi
Kofuzi notes: The best Hyperion Max yet thanks to the softer DNA Gold top layer, but it's a bit heavy and the $200 price is steep unless you're a larger runner who can use it as a do-everything shoe.
Best for: Bigger, taller runners who want one shoe for daily training, speedwork, and race day
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Kofuzi notes: A great long-run trainer and clear upgrade over v2 — Kofuzi loves the new geometry and that the rubber nubbin under the plate is gone, but feels v3 lost some of v1's quirky character and is a touch bland.
Best for: Long easy runs, progression long runs, and long runs with marathon-pace miles for runners who want a stable, plated trainer.
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Kofuzi notes: An exciting spec sheet (PEBA + supercritical EVA + Double-H carbon plate at 48mm stack) that is executed as a muted, controlled cushioned cruiser; Kofuzi calls it a 'spruce goose' that feels like a Bondi-class shoe at a $225 price he considers too high.
Best for: Runners who want a tall, plush, controlled cushioned shoe for easy and long runs.
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"more of a long run shoe" — Kofuzi
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Kofuzi notes: A fun, very bouncy max-cushion long-run shoe at 8.9 oz that pairs PEBA-blended Fresh Foam X with an early rocker; a fantastic long-run option for most, though a small subset of runners may experience forefoot pain from the very thick bouncy stack.
Best for: Bigger/taller runners wanting a high-stack PEBA-blended daily/long-run trainer; long runs with strides up to marathon pace.