It’s not uncommon to own more than one pair of shoes – especially if you’re a runner. Here are the best combinations to match your running goals. – By Ryan Scott
The Ultra Hero
When you’re training for an ultra, no amount of mileage you cover in training ever seems enough. You need shoes robust enough to withstand all those long hours on the road. These two will get you from your first training session all the way to the finish line of an ultra marathon.
NB Fresh Foam 1080 Comrades Version (AVAILABLE COMRADES 2017)
The 1080 is the most cushioned model in the Fresh Foam line, delivering a plush, neutral ride – 30mm at the heel, and 23.9mm in the forefoot. Despite a lack of motion-control devices, and the fact it’s so high off the ground, the shoe feels stable due to a wide base that flares out on the arch side, and a high-moulded perimeter around the midsole. All in all, a good shoe for a 50km+ race: every year, it’s designed with Comrades runners in mind.
WEIGHT: 244g (women-specific 2016 version; 2017 available from April.)
Mizuno Wave Inspire 13 R2 750
The Wave provides the heavy dose of both support and cushioning that suits most ultra runners; the difference to the NB is the springy transition from heel to toe, partly due to the double-fan-shaped wave insert. Together with the NBs, these will get you all the way to the finish line of your chosen ultra.
WEIGHT: 260g
NEXT: The Parkrun PB-Chaser.
The Parkrun PB-Chaser
When you started running, you were probably comfortable running in the middle or at the back of the pack. Your dedication has paid off, and now you’ve set your sights on chasing the top end of the field – you want to challenge your personal-best time, and see how fast you can run.
Asics GEL DS-Racer 11: R1 700
Once you feel comfortable running in the Speed 600 Ignite, transition to the 187-gram DS Racer – a tried-and-tested, fast set-up for any distance up to the marathon. Stepping out of the well-cushioned Pumas means you’ll lose some perceived comfort, but you will gain a more tactile feel for the ground.
WEIGHT: 187g
Puma Speed 600 Ignite 2: R2 299
Tipping towards the more cushioned end of Puma’s 0-to-1 000 scale. Testers expected a soft ride, and less response than the likes of the Puma Speed 300. But a dual-layer midsole, infused with Ignite foam, a more breathable mesh upper, and a forefoot tread designed for propulsion, mean the Speed 600 is a sharp enough ride to handle the twists and turns of the parkrun.
WEIGHT: 240g
NEXT: The Regular 10-K Runner.
The Regular 10-K Runner
You love the feeling running gives you after an hour or so out on the road. Training for marathons is not your thing, but you are more than comfortable with around 10 kays – as part of a social run, in training, or on race day. You’re curious about trail running. After all, running 10km on the trail will make you so much stronger when you return to the road.
Saucony Kinvara 8: R2 250
Light, comfortable and cool, thanks to a fine laser-cut mesh upper with plenty of ventilation. The shoe has a simple design, a low heel-to-toe profile, and consistent cushioning throughout. It remains a favourite among our testers, enjoyed by experienced runners and newbies alike.
WEIGHT: 223g
Salomon Speed Cross 4: R2 299
A versatile trail-running shoe, ideal for exploring off-road – the shoe handles muddy, wet and technical terrain well. Stiff and robust, it has a high heel and a 22mm profile, which will give newbies all the confidence they need on their first introduction to trail running.
WEIGHT: 303g
NEXT: The Trail Racer
The Trail Racer
You prefer racing hard on the trails, but sometimes you bite the bullet and run on the road. Doing hill repeats in your neighbourhood gives you a huge boost when you head back to the wilds.
Brooks Mazama Trail: R2 600
Wear-testers describe the Mazama as snug and stiff. While that may not sound like something you’d want from your dirt-dancing partner, the shoe works surprisingly well at full tilt. A stone shield deflects rocks and snaps back when you flex the shoe, for a fast, racing feel that can be likened to the Saucony Type A – only, the Mazama’s shield offers extra protection.
WEIGHT: 266g
Saucony Type A: R2 000
As with the Brooks Mazama, this shoe is for fast racers. While there is a little support – from the fine-weave mesh and plastic overlays on the upper – the midsole is a flexible, single-density unit, which means the shoe is best suited to light, neutral runners. There’s not enough support for trail running, but it’s ideal for running fast on the road. It feels similar to the Brooks 5.6mm, because the drop from heel to toe (5.5mm) is only 1mm lower. Also available in a women-specific option – which is rare for racing flats.
WEIGHT: 147g
NEXT: The Half-Marathon First-Timer
The Half-Marathon First-Timer
You’re a regular runner, and your training buddies have told you that you simply have to do a half marathon. You’re comfortable with the idea, and feel ready to take on the challenge.
Asics Noosa FF: R2 200
The Noosas are intended for triathlon, and as such are designed to feel versatile and lightweight over a variety of distances. Extra cushioning comes from the full-length FlyteFoam, which means you’ll feel comfortable and supported on each and every one of your three to four weekly training sessions. Despite the cushioning, it has all the benefits of a high-performance shoe.
WEIGHT: 205g (women-specific version)
adidas adiZero Boston 6: R1 899
You’ve trained in the Asics Noosa, and now you’re ready to race. The adiZero Boston weighs approximately the same as the Asics Noosa, and also feels similar. The heel-to-toe transition is smooth and seamless, which means you feel like you’re moving more quickly. A heel cup offers stability and a secure fit, which instils confidence.
WEIGHT: 212g (women-specific version)