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.
Category: Best Neutral Running Shoes for Men’s
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.
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?
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.
As a comfortable shoe for flat running surfaces, the On Cloudflyer is one of the most interesting solutions when it comes to better long-distance performance. Made with an interesting design when it comes to its larger outsole elements, the shoes are recommended for reduced joint impact as well. This is why the Cloudflyer can be a good design if you are experiencing knee problems. With a design recommended for beginners with the support of the speedplate, the shoes are among the solutions to consider if you want to move away from traditional cushioning and bounciness.
It was always going to be interesting to see Saucony use knit uppers and the Freedom ISO 2 is has this task. Featuring the Isoknit design, the shoes are made with one of the most distinct aspects in their class. The performance which is achievable while running recommends them as ground-breaking for Saucony fans used to multiple types of mesh uppers. But the upper is not the only top feature of the shoes as the midsole and outsole are at least at the same level as well.
11 reasons to buy
- New design from Saucony recommended for dedicated runners
- Made using the Isoknit upper for impressive breathability and durability with no creases
- Considerable cushioning from the Everun midsole
- Designed with a support frame for the heel which is recommended for better stability as well
- Made with the Tri-Flex Crystal Rubber outsole combining traction and flexibility
- Lightweight for a knit design at 258 grams
- Sock-like fit upper with a heel counter for improved comfort and stability
- Strong lacing offer a caged feel lockdown for the midfoot
- Roomy forefoot for added comfort on long runs
- Narrow overall profile to favor speed
- Available in multiple vivid colors
2 reasons why not to buy
- Designed with medium width only
- Not the fastest to dry
Updates
As a first attempt at a knit upper, the Freedom ISO 2 represent one of the most interesting options for many runners. Made with a profile which favors fast running and proper durability, the shoes are among the most interesting solutions when it comes to better comfort and faster runs. With distinct color combinations such as Blue Citron, the shoes are also made to look apparat which can make them a tempting option for the fans of sports shoes used as casual shoes as well.
The upgrades to the midsole and outsole are visible, but the most interesting changes come with the upper. The Isoknit design of the upper is all new and it represents a good starting point for people who want to see improved results, especially with the sock-like fit which might have been lacking in some previous shoes from the manufacturer. With a modern design, Saucony is also stepping into the segment of casual wear as well as the shoes have a high appeal among regular shoe options.
Outsole
The outsole is one of the engineered parts which are made for the ultimate performance. You would expect a premium outsole to perform good, but the Freedom’s ISO 2 outsole is made with the Tri-Flex Crystal design. Made to offer proper flexibility, the outsole has a good grip as well. Inspired by the trail running outsoles, it offers an improved grip from different angles.
Midsole
When you are using premium running shoes, comfort is important as you push your limits. This is why the good news is that the shoes come with the Everun cushioning. Running across the entire surface of the footbed, the cushioning is among the considerable upgrades which are made for the ultimate energy return, even after a few hundred miles. It also remains to be seen if Saucony will use the same technology on the designs which are not made for normal pronation.
Upper
With a distinct design, the Freedom ISO 2 is one of Saucony’s most attractive products. It is made in different colors and combinations of colors for both men and women. But most importantly, the new knit upper offers an insight into what fans can expect from the international manufacturer in the future. With good responsiveness and added durability due to the no-crease performance, the upper is recommended even for the skilled runner in terms of fit.
Even the overlays are kept to a minimum. But the added heel counter can also prove to be a major plus for many runners in the conditions in which the knit upper is quite soft by itself. There is also a small overlay on the forefoot area which also features added perforations for improved breathability.
Size And Fit
Available in all sizes, the shoes are true to size. However, the width is standard and there are no specialized options for narrow or wide feet. This is why you need to consider the investment in the shoes in the condition in which they are made for a close fit. They are also not made for low arches or specific problems with the Achille’s tendons either