PRODUCT
TOPO ST-2
MARKS OUT OF 10
COMFORT: 8 / PERFORMANCE: 9 / RESPONSIVENESS: 9
PRODUCT
NEWTON MV3
MARKS OUT OF 10
COMFORT: 7 / PERFORMANCE: 7 / RESPONSIVENESS: 7
At under 200g, the Mv3 is a light and fast trainer. Newton’s trademark ‘pop’ wedge on the outsole aims to encourage a mid-to-forefoot strike and the toe box is appropriately wide for the forefoot action, while the upper is breathable without feeling flimsy.
£85.45, runnerinn.com
PRODUCT
MERRELL VAPOR GLOVE 3
MARKS OUT OF 10
COMFORT: 8 / PERFORMANCE: 8 / RESPONSIVENESS: 9
This barefoot running shoe feels incredibly compact and fits snuggly without being too tight. The Vibram sole gives a great amount of ground-feel and the elastic laces are a nice feature, too. The Vapor Glove 3 weighs in at a feather-light 172g.
£90, merrell.com/uk
PRODUCT
VIBRAM FIVEFINGERS KMD SPORT
MARKS OUT OF 10
COMFORT: 7 / PERFORMANCE: 7 / RESPONSIVENESS: 7
The barely-there KMD Sport is as flexible as a contortionist and flat as a Norfolk A-road. Realistically, only a small proportion of runners will be able to rack up the miles in these. As a barefoot training aid, however, the KMD Sport is worth a punt.
£89.99, suttonrunner.com
PRODUCT
ON CLOUDFLASH
MARKS OUT OF 10
COMFORT: 8 / PERFORMANCE: 8 / RESPONSIVENESS: 8
This is On’s stripped-back racing flat: a responsive and lightweight racer that speed demons will love. The shoe has a very minimal midsole; cushioning comes from the 14 Cloud ‘pods’ which also work to transfer energy, and the upper is made of a very lightweight and breathable mesh.
It’s great for short sessions and up to 10K, but you’ll have to be an efficient runner to go longer in the Cloudflash.
£160, on-running.com/en-gb
PRODUCT
NEW BALANCE MINIMUS 40
MARKS OUT OF 10
COMFORT: 9 / PERFORMANCE: 8 / RESPONSIVENESS: 8
Distinctive to look at, this cross-trainer shoe is designed to be used for gym work, CrossFit and short runs. The sole is on the minimal side, but the shoe feels very responsive during gym work. Your tester found the stand-out thing, though, to be how comfortable the Minimus 40 feels, aided by the inner heel cushioning and supported fit.
A great doubling-up option for gym workouts and shorter runs.
£90, newbalance.co.uk
