A good run for the money

Those unfamiliar with Lotto may not know that the Italian brand makes a mean tennis shoe. It was a favourite of David Ferrer’s, and is now preferred by the likes of Kevin Anderson and Matteo Berrettini. But for all its sporting pedigree — and an impressive one at that —

Lotto has been unable to crack the running market. Rarely will you come across an amateur runner whose go-to shoe is a Lotto.

In the past, I too have been snobbish when it comes to Lotto, mistaking the affordable nature of its offerings for subpar quality. Well, the Lotto Breeze VH changed that misperception. Designed for the excruciating summer heat, the Breeze VH is a lightweight runner that comes with a host of cooling features — Lotto claims that that the perforated surface of the insole ensures greater coolness and moisture dispersion. The upper is made of embossed mesh, with an IMEVA midsole.

The Breeze VH has a snug fit, though initially it does feel a little tight. But once you’ve hit the road, that’s nothing to worry about. You feel little of the stiffness while running and it’s one of those pairs that really grows on you. Despite an adequately responsive midsole, the Breeze VH isn’t quite made for the long haul (10K and more); it is

You feel some stiffness while running but it’s one of those pairs that really grows on you

an excellent 5K option, though.

There are, however, areas where Lotto can improve: subsequent models may want to figure out ways to make the shoe more breathable and offer slightly better traction. But that shouldn’t worry you if you’re new to running. If a reasonably priced beginner’s running shoe is what you are looking for, then the Lotto Breeze VH has got you covered.