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Home » Running Shoe Reviews »

Understanding Your Shoes

Looking for a lightweight shoe that will allow you to pick up the pace, but not looking for carbon fiber? Thousands of miles and lots of testing later, we’ve got some of our topic picks and plenty of reviews to guide your decision. A shoe you want to hear about? Drop us a line!

Featured Reviews

7 Best Lightweight Running Shoes | Amp Up Your Speed

What is Stack Height? Here’s Why It Matter in Running Shoes

Zero Drop Running Shoes: What Are They + Pros and Cons

Lightweight Running Shoes

ASICS Sonicblast 2 Review | A Light and Bouncy Shoe That Makes You Want to Run Faster

We tested the ASICS Sonicblast 2 on a 5k, a 14-mile long run, and easy miles to see if this bouncy, plated trainer can handle more than just speed work.

New Balance SuperComp Elite v6 Review | Bouncy, Lightweight, and Race Ready

The New Balance SuperComp Elite v6 combines a lightweight build with a bouncy, responsive ride that feels fast without being overly aggressive. Our review covers the fit, ride, stability, and…

New Balance SuperComp Rebel Review | A Super Trainer That Feels Race Ready

We tested the New Balance SuperComp Rebel, a fun, bouncy super trainer that delivers race day speed at a more approachable price and comes in wide.

Topo Specter Elite Review: A Fast, Roomy Alternative to Narrow Super Shoes

New to Topo's lineup, the Specter Elite is quickly becoming a favorite among runners. Our full review breaks down what makes it a winner.

Asics Metasleek Preview: The Metas Get a New Sibling

The new kid on the block, the Metasleek, will be geared towards 5K and 10K races, and give runners a low stack option for speedy interval workouts where you might…

After 100+ Miles in the Craft Endurance 3 What to Know about This Daily Trainer

A moderate stack, high heel drop, and cushioning that holds up over longer miles makes the Craft Endurance 3 a reliable daily trainer worth knowing about.

Mizuno Hyperwarp Elite Review | Ready for 3 Hour Marathon Performance

Another evolution in running from Mizuno, determined to earn back their spot as a top brand. The Mizuno Hyperwarp Elite absolutely does that.

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4 Review | The Carbon Racer That Wants to Be Your Go To

This carbon plated update is nailing some key updates for those who wanted a little softer feel. Our review of the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4

Adidas EVO SL ATR Review (vs EVO SL Woven vs EVO SL)

We break down exactly what is different about the Adidas EVO SL ATR and how it stands up to the other shoes in the lineup.

Mizuno Wave Inspire 22 Review | Stability That Works With Your Stride

The Mizuno Wave Inspire 22 lands as a stability shoe for a wide audience, but we did run in to fit issues that lowered our love of updates.

Hoka Mach 7 Review | Firmer Feel, Same Versatility, Still a Winner

Minor updates, but a change in feel to the Hoka Mach 7. It's still going to rank high among our top lightweight running shoes.

Asics Superblast 3 Review | So Bouncy You’ll Forget It’s Supposed to Be a Daily Trainer

Daily trainer and super trainer are a blurred line these days and Asics has done it again with new foam in the Asics Superblast 3.

Altra Experience Flow 3 Review | These Changes Fall Flat

We put the Altra Experience Flow 3 through its paces on the road to bring you our honest review. From the roomy toe box to the change in cushioning, find…

Ball of Foot Pain When Running? Try These Shoes

Discover the best running shoes for ball of foot pain with cushioned forefoot support and wide toe boxes. Our team's picks of 2026 for metatarsalgia relief.

Mizuno Neo Zen 2 Less Bounce, More Stability | Is the Trade-Off Worth It?

Fantastic updates to the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 and we're excited to see what else is coming this year. This lightweight shoe still has some tweaks needed.

Altra Escalante 4 Brings Back True Natural Running Feel

If you want minimal, but not actual feet on ground the Altra Escalante 4 continues to be a great selection, especially with some improved fit.

Skechers Aero Razor Review | Stop Sleeping on Skechers Running Shoes

If pleasant surprise could be defined in shoe form, it would be the Skechers Aero Razor. It’s worth saying right away that I’ll be reaching for this shoe a lot.…

Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 Review | Hoka’s Fastest Carbon Race Shoe Yet

Lighter, faster, more stable where can they take the Hoka Cielo X1 3 next? We're not sure but we can't wait to find out because it's all good.

Best Low Stack Running Shoes For More Ground Feel

Low stack running shoes sit a little closer to the ground, giving them a lighter, more responsive feel. It’s why they’re often a shoe you’ll want to grab for faster…

Puma Deviate Nitro 4 Review | The Best Value Super Trainer You’re Not Wearing

Can one shoe replace many shoes? The Puma Deviate Nitro 4 is sure trying with its blend of cushion and speed that our team loved.

Best Moderate Cushioned Running Shoes: Not Too Much, Not Too Little

Check out our favorite mid stack, moderate cushioned running shoes that deliver great performance without being too tall and clunky.

TYR Maverick V1 vs Adidas EVO SL: Is the Knockoff Worth It? (Review)

TYR Maverick 1 Runner came out hot with a shoe that has impressed a lot of runners, we're super picky though and felt good, not great about it.

Does the Saucony Endorphin Azura Deserve a Place in the Line Up?

The Saucony Endorphin Azura adds a fresh option to the Endorphin family. While this daily trainer needs a brief break-in period, it delivers performance and comfort that makes it well…

Meet The Brooks Glycerin Flex A Refreshing Alternative to Max Cushion

Breaking the mold the Brooks Glycerin Flex is the most dynamic midsole we've seen in a shoe that's not zero drop and lacking cushion.

Topo Athletic ST-6 Review | A++ Shoe for Gym Workouts

Time to get barefoot in the gym for better lifting, but eww actually barefoot. Enter the Topo Athletic ST-6 which checks our boxes!

Brooks Ghost AMP Preview | Traditional With A Speed Boost

The Brooks Amp brings new energy to the Ghost family. Our team's preview gives a look into what you can expect from this lightweight, snappy shoe.

New Balance Rebel v5 Review | 100 Mile Update, Still Durability Questions

A widely loved lightweight running shoe gets an update that will keep it shining. The New Balance Rebel V5 is softer, but still hits the mark.

CEP Pro Run Omnispeed BowTech Review | A Mixed Bag

We love when brands take big swings, but CEP Pro Run Omnispeed needs some fine tuning in fit before it gets our approval.

On Cloudflow 5 Review | Ready for all the Tempo Work

If you like a firmer shoe for picking up the pace, the On Cloudflow 5 is going to be your ideal pick and it's improved from previous models.

Mizuno Wave Rebellion Flash 3 Review | Only For Fast Midfoot Strikers

Mizuno is launching a lot of shoes and a lot of fast shoes. The Mizuno Wave Rebellion 3 is a lot of fun, but only for the right footstrike.

Craft Pacer 2 Review | The Daily Trainer That Gets Noticed for All the Right Reasons

Craft Pacer 2 is turning heads with it's style, but we're more impressed with the overall feel and where it now fits in our shoe rotation.

ASICS Sonicblast Review | A Plated Trainer for The Middle of the Pack

A PEBAX plated cushioned shoe for the middle of the pack, the Asics Sonicblast is a shoe that can take you through many paces feeling solid.

Puma Velocity Nitro 4 Review | Narrow Fit, Great Affordable Trainer

Now in its fourth iteration, the Puma Velocity Nitro 4 continues to anchor the brand’s daily training lineup. As a versatile all-rounder, it balances comfort, efficiency, and durability, making it…

Lululemon Split Shift Review | Finally, a Lululemon Shoe Built for Real Runners

Lululemon continues to innovate in the shoe space and the Lululemon Split shift is a big leap forward. It's going to have traction.

Brooks Hyperion 3 Review | Gave Up Speed to Become a Better Daily Trainer

Brooks Hyperion 3 is a max cushioned shoe that doesn't quite feel max, it's not super fast or super soft, it's now a daily trainer.

ASICS Megablast Review (vs Sonicblast) | Why They Made Two Ultra-Light Shoes for Average Runners

Asics Megablast and Sonicblast reviews, what our team thinks of this new foam and these crazy lightweight shoes for the everyday runner.

Best Marathon Shoes for Beginners Who Just Want to Finish Strong

Check out our list of the best marathon shoes for beginners that prioritize comfort over speed and find out when a plated option is right!

Topo Fli-Lyte 6 Review | Less Daily Trainer, More Cross Trainer

Love the toe box, love it as a gym shoe, but the Topo Fli-lyte 6 may have moved out of our low drop running shoe rotation.

Craft Kype Pro Review | Carbon Speed Without the Marshmallow Feel

The Craft Kype Pro is a shoe that doesn’t wait around to make a statement. From the first stride, it felt fast, aggressive, and built for business — like it…

Salomon Aero Blaze 3 Review | Swiss Army Knife At Great Value

One shoe for many runs at under $150, you have our attention. The Salomon Aeroblaze 3 is getting some high marks from us.

Adidas Evo SL Review | What’s All the Hype About? Can It Do It All?

The Adidas Evo SL has taken social media by storm and it turns out there might be some good reasons, like price, cushion and durability.

7 Best Lightweight Running Shoes | Amp Up Your Speed

Choosing a pair of fast shoes for running can be tricky. Lightweight running shoes come in a variety of styles, learn about our top picks from testing.

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About Amanda Brooks

Amanda Brooks is a Certified Running Coach, Certified Personal Trainer and long time distance runner with a passion for every facet of running, which leads her to do more reading, research and running than necessary. Find all the tips, tricks and tools you need from this running coach for your best injury free running. Read More…

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Website written, managed and maintained by Amanda Brooks, a certified running coach and personal trainer. Any advice should be taken as general information and not a personalized plan. All opinions, tips and reviews are based upon her personal life experience and the experiences of those she has coached. View our full privacy and review policy. No AI.

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