The Hoka Clifton 5 are among the shoes which are known for innovation. Just a short while ago, the series introduced the bulky midsole design which was shortly copied by other bigger manufacturers. But the Clifton 5 has the same feel and look at the Clifton 4, with small improvements in key areas. The weight is now a bit lower and the materials are a bit better. But the overall feel of the shoes is similar and actually softer. This is why they are recommended for those seeking improved overall comfort and who are already familiar with the previous designs form the Clifton series.
With the same bulky midsole design specific to Hoka, the Mach shoes are a recommended comfort solution. They are made with a lightweight design and at just above 200g, they can be the first option for daily training and racing day for different types of runners. Made with a knit upper and decent cushioning on the collar, the shoes are comfortable and breathable for most users. At the same time, they offer improved lockdown with the expanded lacing system.
Mizuno is one of the most respected names in the running industry. With modern shoes which are often at the cutting edge of technology, the shoes from the manufacturer are received with joy by the running community. The Wave Rider 21 is no different. Made with the triple zone upper, the running shoes are comfortable, secure and affordable. As many mid-range options, they have a few characteristics which bring them closer to the premium designs, which can only be another plus for most runners.
With a new design and up to date technologies, the Mizuno Wave Sky 2 offers one of the best overall experiences for runners of all levels. With a supportive construction and a thick padding upper, the shoes are comfortable and yet responsive. With added overlays on the midfoot area, they are also among the options which are made for durability. With good traction and plenty of lateral stability, the shoes can be used out on the track and in some cases, they can be an option when running indoors on treadmills as well.
11 reasons to buy
- Made with a comfortable profile with thick padding and supportive cushioning
- A distinct modern design combining mesh and overlays into one of the leading solutions in terms of comfort
- Added breathability with the thin mesh tongue design made for traditional lacing support
- Made with Aerohug fit technology to offer a natural contour to your feet, recommended for a normal stride
- All new anatomical sockliner for natural biomechanics during short and long-running sessions
- Blown rubber outsole added for improved traction on slippery tracks
- Made with Mizuno Cloudwave technology for better shock absorption capacity
- U4icX Strobel midsole technology made to attenuate many of the shocks your feet might feel during runs
- Added Pebax Wave Plate for better support, improved shock distribution, and better overall bounciness
- The wave plate comes in a different color from the rest of the shoe to add a touch of style
- Appealing design made in different colors
2 reasons why not to buy
- Bulky for runners with small feet
- Multiple upper overlays can make it difficult to clean
Updates
The Wave Sky 2 is thus one of the leading options when it comes to good overall comfort. With top results when it comes to improved breathability and support, the shoes are made for the serious runner looking for the ultimate technologies.
There are many upgrades to the Wave Sky 2. The introduction of some of Mizuno’s latest technologies recommends the shoes for better overall comfort and running performance. While the outsole is not revolutionary, it is stable. It works great with the improved midsole which is now even better at handling shocks and at offering a custom support. With a thickly-padded upper collar, the shoes are among the top options when it comes to better overall ankle comfort.
An entirely new feature comes with the premium anatomical sockliner. Made to offer comfort while following the contour of your feet, the sockliner represents one of the most interesting solutions when it comes to better overall comfort, especially on long runs when your feet might already start to feel increased discomfort due to the extra friction and heat.
Outsole
Featuring blown rubber, the thick outsole offers one of the most durable solutions in its class. With flexibility which can be improved, the outsole is made for traction. If you are running on the track, you can feel free to accelerate even on wet surfaces if you are running during or after rainfall.
Midsole
The midsole of the shoes offers one of the key areas for its performance. With the added Pebax plate you get the ability to reduce the shocks which would otherwise be transmitted to your heels. Even more, the shoes are among the leading options when it comes to improved overall comfort, especially in the conditions in which they are made for optimum shock attenuation with the Cloudwave technology. There is plenty of support even for the heavy runner.
Upper
With an upper which is made for maximum breathability, the shoes represent one of the most interesting solutions when it comes to improved comfort. Made with considerable padding and added overlays, the upper is comfortable and breathable while maintaining its rather rigid profile. Even more, the upper of the shoes come with a traditional tongue which can be easily adjusted when you want to ensure you have the best overall fit and lockdown.
Size And Fit
The fit of the shoes is true to size, with some runners even noting their bulkier design might even be too large for them. With a fitted forefoot and a roomier midfoot, the shoe is not specifically made for race day but they can be among the options to consider when it comes to the everyday running. If you have wider feet, you will also struggle with the midfoot comfort as it comes with considerable overlays which are not the best stretchy materials of the upper.
Made with New Balance’s unmistakable look, the 990 v4 offers one of the best solutions when for versatility. With a durable outsole and upper, the shoes are used for running. But they also represent one of the leading options for training in the gym, walking or other physical activities, similarly to many other New Balance options. With a design which favors those who seek extra cushioning with their 12mm drop, the shoes represent one of the best solutions when it comes to overall shock absorption capacity. Of course, they are not the lightest running shoes, but the purpose goes much further.
New Balance is known for their retro-style designs. But while the 1080v8 look somewhat retro, they are modern sports shoes which are often used for running. As an all-American design, the shoes have a certain appeal to them, and their 8th version is among the up to date options from the manufacturer. There is a new Ortholite insole, blown rubber outsole and a new design with no-sew materials. This is enough for the New Balance fans but can it be the right solution for runners moving from other brands?
As one of the premium designs for stability and cushioning, the New Balance 1260 v7 represent one of the most interesting solutions when you want the best materials. The main strength of the shoe comes with the resistant outsole which is designed according to flexion areas in the forefoot. The outsole is also flat on the midfoot area to offer improved overall support for arches as well. With a mesh upper, the shoes are among the breathable options to consider. But they are still quite heavy by New Balance standards so they might be a solution when you need better shock absorption.
The New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v4 is one of the most respected designs of the moment. This is primarily due to the combination of a lightweight profile and the HypoSkin technology which allows it to be a distinct design. At 244 grams, it is also among the lightweight options from New Balance. The shoes are made to be fast and for this reason, the 6mm drop is used for a responsive design which is characteristic to the users who seek improved performance even with a mid-range design.
As one of the lightest shoes from New Balance, the FuelCore Coast v4 is now lighter, faster and more comfortable. With a beautiful design, the shoes can also pass as casual solutions when you seek to have improved comfort while walking or standing. Made with a simple upper, the practical shoes represent one of the leading solutions when it comes to better overall comfort.
The On Cloud X offers the original CloudTech design for good cushioning. The shoes are competitive when it comes to performance and they can be considered among the options which can tackle different types of surfaces. For most runners, they offer the all-in-one solution which can be used to jog in the morning. But the shoes can also be seen as a performance solution for the more dedicated runner who can be the sole user making the most of the CloudTec design.