Best New Shoes Of 2020

The Runner’s World spring/summer shoe guide

RUNNER’S WORLD SHOEBUYER’S GUIDES, which we first produced in 1993, are the most comprehensive on the market because we literally go the extra mile.

Or, rather, many of them.

First, we liaise with shoe brands to determine which models they submit. We ask for a full range of sizes, or as close as possible, for men and women for each model to be tested.

The shoes are distributed to our network of wear testers. This is made up of current and former staff, and members of running clubs around the country.

The shoes are tested over the course of a month. We put each shoe on tall, short, slim, large, fast, slow, short, tall, old and young runners – as well as those with different gaits – to see how it performs across a variety of testing environments. We ask each runner to put the shoe through its paces over as many miles as possible and in different types of sessions.

Each tester fills out a feedback form – offering their thoughts on the fit, cushioning, responsiveness, comfort, grip, breathability and other factors – and give it a rating out of five.

We then gather all the feedback for each shoe, compare and contrast the data and the comments, look for commonalities of opinion, log an overall average score and distil all that into the reviews you see here.

HOKA ONE ONE MACH 3 PRICE £130 WEIGHT 245g (Men’s), 204g (Women’s) HEEL/TOE DROP 5mm

PART OF HOKA’S FLY (performance-shoe) range, along with the Arahi (see p83) and Elevon, this is an extremely light model that nevertheless offers the cushioning of a much heavier shoe. Updates from the previous version are on the minor side, with the midsole tuning being slightly tweaked to give a softer feel in the heel and a firmer platform from which to push off in the forefoot. The upper has been updated to a seamless bootie construction for a better midfoot wrap and the jacquard mesh has been made more breathable – handy if you’re putting the hammer down during a fast race (precisely the sort of situation the Mach was made for). However, this isn’t just a shoe for speed demons; slower, heavier runners found the Mach 3 to be perfect for their own quicker runs and shorter races, thanks to the wide platform and pleasing feeling of bounce. Note: it’s best to go up half a size because the fit is noticeably snug.

UNDER ARMOUR MACHINA PRICE £140 WEIGHT 295g (M), 241g (W) HEEL/TOE DROP 8mm

IF THIS IS A SIGN OF THINGS to come, then Under Armour seems to be getting to grips with the running market. This reminds us of a chunkier Saucony Kinvara. It’s responsive, quick, very cushioned (it contains 20 per cent more Hovr, UA’s proprietary foam, than any other of the brand’s shoes) and has a light propulsion plate underneath the midsole that contains carbon. The shoe is plush, but testers found it hit the sweet spot between comfort and response. That said, new runners might find the firmer feel in the forefoot a little off-putting if they are looking for the reassurance of fulllength cushioning. As with most UA shoes, the Machina comes with a chip that records metrics – distance, pace, cadence, ground contact time – and relays them to the MapMyRun app. For now, you’ll need to run with your phone to make the most of this, but later this year there will be compatible updates for smart-watch support and you’ll be able to get real-time coaching cues direct to your watch, too.

ADIDAS PULSEBOOST WINTERIZED PRICE £119.95 WEIGHT 340g (M), 290g (W) HEEL/TOE DROP 8mm

THIS WAS CLOSE TO BEING an award winner, but the weight got in the way. These days, 340g for a running shoe counts as heavy and the downside of the superb weather protection and grip is that you’re aware of the shoe the whole time. Another reason for the extra heft is that it contains a higher density version of Boost midsole foam. Why Adidas did this is not clear, but it’s to be hoped this is an experiment that won’t be repeated. That aside, the ballistic nylon used for the close-fitting knitted upper is excellent at repelling rain, and the AI-designed outsole features an unusual grip-configuration designed to ensure a lack of slippage even with sudden direction changes in the wet. This feature drew admiring comments from testers who used the shoe on wet, grassy runs. If you run to music, the tongue features a QR code that connects you to an Adidas playlist. A superb long-run shoe for heavier runners who want excellent weather protection and reassurance.

NEW BALANCE 1080V10 PRICE £135 WEIGHT 280g (M), 238g (W) HEEL/TOE DROP 8mm

THE 1080 IS NEW BALANCE’S flagship cushioned shoe (and the one used by the RW Pace Team at the London Marathon each year). Version 10 is a continuation of a superb run of form and is all the more impressive because NB has not played it safe, instead providing significant updates. There’s more of their supremely bouncy Fresh Foam midsole foam; the medial side has been built up slightly to give a kind of soft medial post for fatigue-based overpronation; a more aggressive rocker gives better transition and helps pop your foot off the ground a bit quicker; the heel section is sculpted to give a more secure fit without the need for extra materials on the heel counter; and, finally, the outsole grooves have been played with a little and NB says the new configuration gives better flex. Our testers loved all of it, raving about the plush feel, bounce and responsiveness. Veteran club runners and speedsters might find the ride a little squishy, but as an everyday training shoe for everyone else, the 1080 is leading the way.

‘THE TOEBOX FELT AMPLE AND THE SHOE AS A WHOLE HAD A SENSE OF SECURITY ABOUT IT’ PAUL FENTON, 45

SALOMON SONIC 3 BALANCE PRICE £125 WEIGHT 252g (M), 215g (W) HEEL/TOE DROP 8mm

CONTINUING ITS RECENT SUCCESS in bringing its trail quality to the road, Salomon’s Sonic 3 Balance is an extremely competent and wellperforming road-running shoe.

The main design feature of note is that two types of cushioning foam have been used (one for shock absorption, one for propulsion).

That said, this isn’t the overly plush shoe you might think at first glance; it feels comfortable, yet firm and impressively responsive. This reassuring ride may give you some idea where the ‘Balance’ part of the name comes in, as testers felt the shoe offered performance without compromising comfort. Salomon may claim it’s the ‘Geometric Decoupling Axis’ (a full-length heel-to-toe outsole groove aimed at improving the speed of foot transition) that makes the ride so balanced, but testers were more impressed with the roomy toebox and breathable upper, as well as the abundant amount of grip the Sonic 3 offered, even on water-soaked roads and light trails.

ASICS GEL KAYANO 26 PRICE £155 WEIGHT 315g (M), 261g (W) HEEL/TOE DROP 10mm

IT SEEMS THE KAYANO, one of the most venerable models in the Asics stable, is not drifting off quietly into the night just yet. After a few versions best described as ‘meh’, number 26 proved a hit with our testers and just missed out on an award. It’s a support model aimed at mild to moderate overpronators. The old-school medial post is not too obtrusive, offering gentle guidance to prevent the foot rolling inwards too much – and biomechanically efficient runners found it a help when fatigue set in on longer runs. The heel cushioning has been beefed up, something that was noticed and appreciated, especially by heel strikers, who felt they could just get on with their run without worrying too much about foot placement. The improved grip also came in for praise, performing well in the wet as well as unscheduled forays onto muddy grass. Neutral runners and mild overpronators alike will make excellent use of this for all but the fastest sessions.

‘THE SHOCK ABSORPTION IS JUST RIGHT, ESPECIALLY ON THE DOWNHILLS’ ANDY DYKINS, 49

HOKA ONE ONE ARAHI 4 PRICE £120 WEIGHT 273g (M), 228g (W) HEEL/TOE DROP 5mm

AMONG THE TESTERS who received this shoe were several brand sceptics who had never tried Hoka but assumed, from the built-up look of the midsole foam, that they would either be spongy, or heavy, or both. They found the experience of running in them an eye-opener, as this is an extremely responsive shoe with plenty of zip for picking up the pace on tempo and interval runs. The Arahi is the stability model in Hoka’s three-strong performance range; there are no medial posts, but the midsole foam is blended into a firmer composite on the inside to provide overpronation support. Hoka has increased the firmness with version 4 for better protection, as well as stripping down the upper to reduce weight and give better breathability. Overall, the shoe performed solidly, scoring decently across most metrics but the sizing was rather baffling: we had testers commenting that it was variously too small, too big or just right – so try before you buy.

NEW BALANCE FUELCELL ECHO PRICE £100 WEIGHT 286g (M), 235g (W) HEEL/TOE DROP 6mm

WHEN NEW BALANCE launched the Fuelcell series, it claimed to have designed a range of shoes that would make every runner faster. The Fuelcell Echo is the brand’s crossover running shoe, mixing ‘Fuelcell technology with fashion’, but it was well received by our testers. It has a decent amount of NB’s light, responsive Fuelcell foam for just about every different kind of run. One tester wrote, ‘Very stable at speed, super-light on my feet, with lots of spring off my toes; it really does feel like I’m running faster.’ The knitted upper has a sock-like feel that provides a snug fit. It rises quite high on the ankle, so it’s worth wearing a higher sock to avoid any rubbing. All our testers were impressed with the traction of the ribbed rubber outsole, even on wet winter roads. It’s worth noting that those who used them for marathon training experienced discomfort on long runs. Best suited for runners looking for an affordable all-rounder that will take them round anything from a 5K to a half marathon.

ON CLOUDFLASH PRICE £160 WEIGHT 211g (M), 211g (W) HEEL/TOE DROP 5mm

ON IS POSITIONING THE Cloudflash (a unisex shoe) as its ‘fastest On ever, designed for pure speed’. It has all the hallmarks of the racing flat: low heelto-toe drop, light weight and minimal cushioning. And, most importantly, it feels super-fast on the feet – one tester compared it to ‘running on air’. The slick white-and-neon looks also got some admiring glances, although if you’re a fan of keeping your shoes box fresh, you’ll struggle with these, as they seem to draw dirt and dust. Like a Formula One car, it is stripped down to the bare essentials – the one-piece upper is made from a superthin mesh. The trade-off, however, is that the shoes lack a little comfort and protection underfoot. One tester experienced some pain under their big toe at the end of a half marathon in the shoes. Ultimately, if you’re already a fan of the On range and are looking for a featherweight flyer for 5Ks, the Cloudflash ticks all the boxes. However, we recommend you steer clear of dusty trails.

ASICS GLIDERIDE PRICE £145 WEIGHT 305g (M), 290g (W) HEEL/TOE DROP 5mm

THINK OF THE GLIDERIDE as the MetaRide’s smaller brother; it’s got a softer curve on the sole, more cushioning and it’s lighter, making it more suited to the everyday runner. Asics introduced it with the claim it would allow runners to run further, easier and longer, thanks to the GlideSole technology that propels the foot forward and, according to research conducted at Loughborough University, reduces energy loss. On the run, the rocking motion of this curved outsole takes some getting used to – testers found it odd at first but adapted after a few runs. While the shoe performs well on flat roads, throw in any undulation or uneven terrain and the rocker becomes a slight hindrance, causing some feelings of instability. Multiple testers reported pinching at the toes and recommended runners go up half a size. While the technology is exciting, they’re best suited for runners who heel strike and are looking for a road shoe to push them forward on anything from a 10K to a marathon.

BROOKS LEVITATE 3 PRICE £140 WEIGHT: 329g (M), 292g (W) HEEL/TOE DROP 8mm

to this neutral road

THE OVERALL REACTION shoe by our testers is that it is another comfortable, responsive offering from Brooks, with good lateral stability and plenty of spring (one runner noted the biggest bonus was ‘bounce back from the shoe cushioning’). This is a result, in part, of the use of DNA AMP (Brooks’s premium cushioning foam) in the midsole. The shoe’s traction came in for high praise, even in slippery wintry conditions. The socklike fit from the new upper was also a hit, offering excellent comfort while still wrapping the foot, though one tester found this close fit became less comfortable on long runs, especially around the heel. This may have something to do with the pull tab at the rear; it makes it easier to get the shoes on, but it also means there is a seam at the back of the heel collar. Mesh zones in the knit are designed to add breathability and did their job well. The toebox is not the widest, and while the mesh in the upper is flexible, we recommend you try before you buy.

SAUCONY GUIDE 13 PRICE £120 WEIGHT 289g (M), 264g (W) HEEL/TOE DROP 8mm

FOR THOSE LOOKING for some extra support from their running shoes, the Saucony Guide has been performing the job with ease for many years and this latest version is no different (incidentally, if your last Guide was the Guide ISO 2 and you’re wondering where number 3 is – this is it. Saucony has dropped the ISOfit upper from its range and this model is the 13th iteration in all; hence the reversion to old labelling). The guidance is on the moderate rather than the aggressive side (it’s essentially a piece of lightweight TPU embedded in the instep of the midsole), so while overpronators felt supported, several neutral runners were able to wear the Guide without really noticing the stability feature. Cushioning is superb, not just in the midsole but also in the plumped-up tongue and heel collar – giving a luxuriant feel from the moment you pull the shoe on. Overall, this is a premium-feel workhorse for reliable comfort and a consistent ride on long training runs.

361˚ SENSATION 4 PRICE £120 WEIGHT 292g (M) 235g (W) HEEL/TOE DROP 9mm

TOUTED AS A MILD STABILITY shoe, the Sensation 4 feels firmer than some other stability models on the market, proof that the Chinese brand doesn’t believe support necessarily means soft and slow. This firmness led a few people to note that it took a few miles to grow accustomed to the shoes, but once they’d eased into their stride, they found that it almost compelled them to get moving. Aside from a mild medial post, the heel counter has been made plusher for greater comfort, and the vamp (the bit between the laces and the toe box) has been made roomier for the same reasons. The fit was, however, considered on the narrow side by some and this was mainly down to 361º’s Morphit sleeve, which wraps around the midfoot. Others, however, loved the reassurance and snugness of feel in such a key area – so what you think will come down to how much room for movement you like inside a shoe. A reliable stability shoe for those who prefer a firmer ride.

ASICS GEL CONTEND 5 PRICE £55 WEIGHT 291g (M), 230g (W) HEEL/TOE DROP 10mm

PROOF THAT YOU don’t need a second mortgage to find a decent pair of running shoes. The Contend 5 may not boast any tech to cause World Athletics headaches, but the shoe’s unwavering performance means that without seeing the price tag you’d be hard pressed to peg it as a budget shoe. Our testers praised the comfortable fit and breathable mesh in the upper, and found the midsole offers decent cushioning and support, combined with perfectly acceptable responsiveness for an all-round pleasant ride. The outsole grip was also felt to perform well on a surprising variety of surfaces for a road shoe. The standout feature, though, is that all this can be delivered for the low price. ‘Probably the bestvalue shoe I have ever worn,’ said one tester, while another was ‘shocked (in a good way) at the price’. Long-term durability may prove to be an issue, but these are a brilliant choice for new runners, or those who won’t be doing huge mileage and don’t want a serious dent in their bank account.

‘IF YOU HAD NOT SEEN THE PRICE, YOU WOULDN’T KNOW YOU WERE WEARING A BUDGET SHOE’ KERRY MCCARTHY, 40

ALTRA SOLSTICE PRICE £95 WEIGHT 196g (M), 153g (W) HEEL/TOE DROP 0mm

APART FROM THE BRAND’S signature wide and flat toebox, which is designed to allow for proper toe-splay and, in particular, to keep the big toe in a straight, more stable position throughout the run, the most notable aspect of this shoe is the extremely low weight. There can be no doubt that it’s designed as a shoe for shorter, faster runs: the midsole is on the ‘barely there’ side of minimal and there’s very little pop or energy return. The zero drop (no height difference between the heel and toe, which is the case with all Altra shoes) also comes into its own here, because light, fast runners will love the exceptional responsiveness and ground feel. The only downsides were that the laces had a tendency to loosen or come undone unless you really paid attention to your knotting, and the excellent breathability of the porous upper came at the price of low water protection. Perfect for track work and runs up to 5K. It will perform best in dry conditions.

BROOKS RAVENNA 10 PRICE £110 WEIGHT 267g (M), 235g (W) HEEL/TOE DROP 10mm

continues the tradition THE RAVENNA 10 of blurring the lines between a neutral and stability shoe – offering support where needed by overpronators or when form begins to deteriorate through fatigue, but not interfering too much with a more neutral footstrike. It does so with the new GuideRails system – external inserts on top of the midsole in the heel/arch area – which aims to work with the natural motion of a runner’s gait instead of controlling it, by buffering excessive movement in the ankle and heel. Other updates are more of Brooks’ BioMoGo DNA foam in the forefoot to create a springy feel underfoot, and a new internal bootie to provide a snug but not-too-tight fit. These tweaks worked – testers raved about the comfort and fit and found the Ravenna to be roomier in the toebox without feeling too loose. They also praised the cushioning and stability. Overall, a superb everyday option for mild overpronators, perfect for gliding through the miles on the road.

ON CLOUDFLOW PRICE £130 WEIGHT 235g (M), 235g (W) HEEL/TOE DROP 6mm

THIS SECOND VERSION OF the Swiss brand’s light, neutral road shoe gets almost everything right. The midsole, featuring 18 ‘pods’, On’s proprietary Helion foam and a curved heel unit for a smoother transition, offered an excellent balance of cushioning and responsiveness. It also provided good traction, even in wet conditions. Tweaks to the breathable mesh upper, with strategically positioned overlays and a new lacing configuration, meant all testers, regardless of gait pattern or foot size, found a fit that felt comfortable and secure – a big plus in a shoe that’s designed for fast running. The only minor issue was the laces, which are thinner than traditional ones – one tester found them too long, while another found the material ‘slippery’ and tricky to tie and untie. The pods also collected a lot of mud and grit when testers went offroad. But, in general, the shoe impressed, converting runners who were new to the brand. It is worth a serious look for faster sessions or racing.