PRODUCT
BROOKS ADRENALINE GTS 18
MARKS OUT OF 10
COMFORT: 8 / PERFORMANCE: 9 / STABILITY: 9
Brooks’ flagship stability model is back, lighter and better than before. In the midsole, Brooks’ Progressive Diagonal Rollbar and BioMoGo EVA foam provide super-sturdy stability, but elsewhere the GTS 18 offers far more than simple support: the overhauled mesh upper, in particular, is incredibly comfortable.
A suberb stability shoe that pulls no punches when it comes to performance.
£120, brooksrunning.com/en_gb
PRODUCT
361 SENSATION 3
MARKS OUT OF 10
COMFORT: 9 / PERFORMANCE: 7 / STABILITY: 8
The 361 Sensation 3 is a perfect shoe for those wanting to race a marathon in a lighter but still well cushioned and supportive shoe. Stability features include arch support in the midsole and a carbon fibre plate in the midsole to prevent too much pronation, which is welcomed for when fatigue sets in on longer runs.
Despite being lighter than other shoes in this category, the Sensation 3 still provide a snug and secure fit with a nice, breathable upper.
$129.95, 361usa.com
PRODUCT
HOKA ONE ONE CHALLENGER ATR 4
MARKS OUT OF 10
COMFORT: 8 / PERFORMANCE: 9 / STABILITY: 8
Hoka One One’s Challenger ATR line is much-loved in trail circles, and the latest iteration, the ATR 4, continues the trend of lightweight, yet plentiful cushioning and an ultra-smooth ride (thanks to the shoe’s meta-rocker technology). The toe box is wonderfully wide—perfect for long days on the trail when your feet begin to swell—and the mesh upper surprisingly durable.
£110, hokaoneone.eu
PRODUCT
SALOMON SONIC RA MAX
MARKS OUT OF 10
COMFORT: 7 / PERFORMANCE: 8 / STABILITY: 8
The RA Max is remarkably light for a stability trainer, weighing in at just over 230g. Built on a new road-specific last, the RA Max features Salomon’s new Geometric Decoupling technology which, in this shoe, provides a wide, stable forefoot platform. The shoe also features heel collar padding, which delivers cushioning where you need it. A lightweight shoe that delivers a stable ride.
£120, salomon.com/uk
PRODUCT
MIZUNO WAVE SKY
MARKS OUT OF 10
COMFORT: 8 / PERFORMANCE: 7 / STABILITY: 8
New to Mizuno’s cushioned range, the Wave Sky maintains the brand’s trademark firmness while offering a plush and comfortable ride. Plenty of padding, combined with solid support and a hard-wearing outsole, means it isn’t the lightest shoe on the market, but it does deliver on that intended long-run comfort—and does a fine job of ensuring a stable ride.
£150, mizuno.com/uk
PRODUCT
SAUCONY LIBERTY ISO
MARKS OUT OF 10
COMFORT: 8 / PERFORMANCE: 9 / STABILITY: 8
The Liberty Iso is that rarest of things: a high-performance stability trainer with the feel of a lightweight racer and the support of something far more substantial. Nowhere near as stiff as most motion control shoes, the touch of medial support does, nonetheless, fit its intended purpose, without taking away from the impressively lightweight (275g) build and foot-hugging comfort.
£150, saucony.com/uk
