Speed and comfort – the best summer racing and training shoes
Some shoes are built for speed, others for comfort. Here we take a look at some of the best in each of these categories
ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo - £240.00
The pinnacle of the brand’s competition products, the Metaspeed models (both the Sky and Edge, below) are shoes that can easily lay claim to being some of the fastest and best around.
The newly designed FF LEAP foam technology is super lightweight and offers incredible energy return. Combined with a carbon plate that sits higher in the shoe, the deformable foam allows for more plate flex and increased propulsion, helping to increase stride length and, in turn, speed.
The minimalist, lightweight, single-layer, engineered mesh upper holds the foot well and is highly breathable.
The whole package is a high-performance shoe which feels incredible from the first step and offers an unbelievably responsive racing experience.
ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo - £240.00
The twin of the Sky shoe (above), the Metaspeed Edge, is aimed at the runners who increase their cadence (rather than stride) as they increase pace.
Perhaps an easier way of determining between the two shoes would be to say this model feels a little more aggressive and at its best when driving off your toes.
The curve of the carbon plate in this model differs and has more of a forefoot ‘scoop’. This, combined with the FF LEAP and FF TURBO PLUS foam layers, creates a more obviously propulsive ‘pop’ to the forefoot toe-off for an energised and entertaining racing feel.
Saucony – Endorphin Speed 5 - £180.00
A gentle update to the popular, versatile racer-trainer shoe from Saucony. The Speed 5 has a dual-layer PWRRUN PB foam midsole which sandwiches a semi-rigid nylon plate. A little less aggressive than a carbon-plated shoe, the Speed is a versatile shoe that suits faster-paced training as well as race day.
A revised geometry keeps the snappy ride and feel but adds a little more stability, again adding to its versatile nature and appeal.
The low-profile outsole has increased coverage for added traction and durability, while the lightweight upper is in keeping with the shoe’s nature and provides a breathable and comfortably snug fit.
HOKA – Rocket X3 - £220.00
With added stability over the previous model, the Rocket X3 sees improvement all around. The dual-density PEBA midsole provides a super-cushioned and responsive ride, and with a winged carbon plate to provide propulsion and stability, the shoe delivers speed in spades!
The rockered geometry adds to the smooth, fast transition from heel to toe and being more stable means the shoe is more usable at a variety of paces, be it tempo runs, intervals or racing.
A new upper has a revised shape in the heel with more structure and a much-improved fit, adding to the generally improved stability.
The outsole rubber, although minimal, covers the key areas of ground contact and proves durable as well as great at providing good traction.
Brooks - Ghost Max 3 - £145.00
Taking the popular Ghost model and maxing out the cushioning, the Ghost Max has proved to be a popular addition to the brand’s lineup of neutral, daily trainers.
The latest DNA Loft v3 foam midsole is a nitrogen-infused foam, making it softer, lighter and more responsive than previous foams. Combine this deep stack of cushioning with the GlideRoll geometry, and we get a smooth-riding, max-cushioned shoe that simply soaks up the miles.
The shoe has a broad base, which, although a neutral model, is incredibly stable, making it a versatile model for anyone wanting a max-cushioned model, with a nice blend of responsive cushioning at a competitive price point.
Diadora Nucleo 2 - £135.00
With a refined geometry and updated cushioning, the Nucleo 2 builds on the brand’s performance promise with a versatile and lively ride. The Anima Foam midsole provides a lightweight and responsive feel underfoot, delivering a balance of comfort and snappiness that works well across a range of sessions for any runner seeking a do-it-all model. A mild rocker assists in transition from heel to toe, while the geometry ensures a smooth, stable and efficient ride.
The engineered mesh upper is breathable and comfortably wraps the foot, offering a secure midfoot lockdown and slightly more structure in the heel than the previous model while keeping with the brand’s stylish image.
Outsole coverage is generous in high-wear zones and offers dependable grip on varied terrain, adding to the shoe’s durability and all-around appeal.
Nike – Vomero 18 - £135.00
The Vomero 18 takes cushioning to new heights, making it the most cushioned shoe yet from the brand. Continuing the theme of the Vomero being a plush daily trainer, we see subtle performance tweaks, with the updated ZoomX core midsole delivering soft, energetic cushioning, making longer runs feel smooth and effortless, while maintaining enough responsiveness for those up-tempo efforts.
There is 6mm more cushioning here than the previous model, with the heel now having a 46mm stack and a 10mm drop into the forefoot. It’s a dual-density midsole with the ZoomX sitting on top of the ReactX foam to add a little ‘pop’ to the highly cushioned feel.
A refined upper features a breathable engineered mesh that offers a more adaptive fit through the midfoot, paired with added structure in the heel for a locked-in feel without sacrificing comfort.
The full-length rubber outsole ensures durable traction, and flex grooves enhance transition through the gait cycle, making the Vomero 18 feel natural and fluid at various paces.
Saucony – Triumph 23 - £170.00
Continuing to cement its place as the brand’s flagship cushioned daily trainer, the Triumph 23 packs a softer and smoother ride than ever before. The upgraded PWRRUN+ foam midsole is plush and bouncy underfoot, offering a luxurious feel without sacrificing responsiveness, making it ideal for long runs, recovery days, or just logging your daily mileage.
Trimming a little weight from its predecessor and improving step-in comfort with a redesigned upper. The engineered mesh is soft, breathable, and more refined in fit, while the plush, padded heel and gusseted tongue ensure a secure, locked-in feel.
Despite its generous cushioning, the Triumph 23 retains good stability, helped by a wide base and subtly rockered geometry that encourages an easy roll-through from heel to toe. It’s not a speed shoe, but it handles tempo efforts well and offers enough versatility for varied training needs.
It’s a premium choice for runners seeking comfort over long distances, delivering a consistently smooth and plush ride with every step.
HOKA – Arahi 8 - £140.00
The Arahi 8 is the brand’s all-around stability shoe in a lightweight and easy-going package. Delivering stability without the bulk, the shoe is a surprisingly responsive experience for a support category shoe.
Now with a H-shaped support frame, the shoe provides even better support than the previous model, yet in a natural-feeling manner that gently assists with over-pronation.
The dual-density CM-EVA midsole provides reliable cushioning and impact absorption, maintaining a firm yet comfortable platform ideal for daily miles. The ride is stable, smooth, and consistent, aided by the rocker shape geometry that helps promote an efficient toe-off.
The updated upper is sleeker and more breathable than the previous version, offering improved comfort and midfoot lockdown. Padding in the tongue and heel collar adds to the step-in comfort, making the Arahi 8 feel secure without feeling restrictive.
Perfect for runners seeking stability with a modern, lightweight feel, the Arahi 8 delivers a well-balanced mix of support and cushioning for everyday training.
