HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 7
No running shoe collection is complete without the Clifton 7! Coming off of the last iteration's success, the newest Clifton sports a reinvented upper that not only flaunts a more streamlined silhouette, but more importantly has increased breathability thanks to a newly constructed mesh fabric. Though this model ditched its pull strap, it gained a new vertical pull tab to help its wearer slide in easily while simultaneously adding protection to the Achilles tendon. But wait, there's more! Fans will also be delighted to find the tongue is as padded as ever, but is now gusseted to prevent mid-run migrating.
Maintaining its reputation of offering optimal cushioning without tipping the scales, this everyday trainer proves you don't have to sacrifice performance for comfort. Every aspect of its engineering—from the early stage Meta-Rocker in the sole to HOKA's signature plush EVA cushioning—aid the runner with a smooth yet surprisingly responsive turnover that you'll want to come back to day after day.
The Bottom Line
- One Favorite Thing: “With all the cushioning it has to offer, I love how quickly I can still turnover without feeling stompy or squishy–or like the padding is stealing my energy.”
- One Area for Improvement: “The same inseam around the arch of the foot that has plagued me with every iteration of the Clifton is still there. After long runs, I'll have an unfortunate blister if I don't tape it first.”
Nuts & Bolts
Style: Neutral Road (Cushioned)
Price: $130
Weight: 7.10 oz (women); 8.7 oz (men)
Drop: 5 mm
HOKA ONE ONE Rincon 2
The Rincon 2 is a versatile, comfortable and lightweight shoe, perfect for the neutral runner who wants cushioning while still feeling fast. Whether on a long run, a tempo run or a recovery run, this shoe performs consistently and comfortably. Weighing in at just 6.5 ounces for the women’s version, it looks much more substantial than it feels and provides a surprising amount of cushioning through the midsole without sacrificing any responsiveness. The mesh upper is comfortable and hugs the foot while still providing ample room in the toe box. If your run takes you on a variety of surfaces, it transitions easily between the road, concrete paths and non-technical trails with very little perceived change in performance. It also practically begs you to pick up the pace, even on steeper downhills.
All in all, the Rincon 2 lives up to its billing as a comfortable yet high performance shoe for a wide variety of runs and races—including the marathon and the half. And, as an added bonus, the style and colorways are likely to get you noticed and even inspire some compliments—whether you’re training in them or just walking around after. For fans of the original Rincon, there is just as much to love, and for newcomers to this shoe, it is hard to beat when it comes to comfort, weight, cushioning and speed.
The Bottom Line
- One Favorite Thing: “The excellent balance of responsiveness and cushioning make it fast, comfortable and versatile.”
- One Area for Improvement: “There wasn't much I didn't like about the shoe, but the large heel pull tab seems a little unnecessary and extraneous.”
Nuts & Bolts
Style: Neutral Road (Cushioned)
Price: $115
Weight: 6.5 oz (women); 7.7 oz (men)
Drop: 5 mm
HOKA ONE ONE Torrent 2
Two years ago HOKA presented the new Torrent to the world, further convincing the trail community its motto “time to fly” didn't apply only to road racers! Now it’s back with the sporty and sleek Torrent 2, which leaves fans of the OG model wondering how you can make changes to an already great shoe without changing the elements that made it great in the first place.
With the main advancements made to the shoe's outer, fans can let out a sigh of relief in knowing that the Torrent 2 still has the “guts” they came to love. The latest iteration still offers the same protection, snap and responsiveness of the lightweight PROFLY midsole as it did before, but now provides sustainable durability with its re-engineered and environmentally conscience mesh upper composed of recycled materials. With a tighter weave, additional overlays and generous supply of lugs added to the outsole, runners will feel more locked in and secure on even the most technical of terrain, twists and turns.
Wherever the trails take you this fall, the Torrent 2 is ready to get you there quickly and comfortably.
The Bottom Line
- One Favorite Thing: “I was particularly impressed with how locked in I felt from the initial wear. I never had to rearrange the laces or even use the top holes to heel lock like I did in my original Torrents.”
- One Area for Improvement: “Everything comes at a price, unfortunately. If HOKA could keep the new durability of the uppers and add back in some breathability, that would be fantastic!”
Nuts & Bolts
Style: Neutral Trail
Price: $120
Weight: 7.6 oz (women); 9.3 oz (men)
Drop: 5 mm
Merrell Agility Synthesis 2
You notice the great fit and increased cushioning of the Agility Synthesis 2 as soon as you slip it on—all without any additional weight. Compared to the first iteration, the cushioning around the ankle is much more significant and durable—a welcome improvement. The substantial lugs provide enough grip on all surfaces you may come across on the trail, without collecting unwanted rocks, dirt and mud for the ride. Plus, the attractive eye-catching colors stand out and separate you from the pack, making this shoe a definite conversation starter while stretching and cool-down.
The Bottom Line
- One Favorite Thing: “There is a good lug arrangement that’s effective on the trail without being a catch-all for dirt and mud.”
- One Area for Improvement: “Gosh, I don’t dislike anything about this shoe. The Merrell Agility Synthesis 2 is my everyday, go-to trail running shoe.”
Nuts & Bolts
Style: Neutral Trail
Price: $110
Weight: 8 oz (women); 9.5 oz (men)
Drop: 6 mm
Mizuno Wave Rider 24
The Mizuno Wave Rider 24 adds a little spring to your step (or should we say speed), and activates to give you a smooth ride on everything from tempo runs to speed work. You won't be disappointed with the added breathability the mesh upper gives to keep your feet happy even on the longest runs.
The benefit of the WAVE technology is most noticeable with speed work and for runs with lots of downhill segments. Not to say you can’t wear it for slower days, but its sweet spot is in the speed. The shoe is noticeably stiffer than others in the same category. However, you appreciate the added support when hitting a big sprint session.
The Bottom Line
- One Favorite Thing: “The upper is breathable and not ‘over built,’ and I liked that I had a little more support on some high impact speed runs.”
- One Area for Improvement: “I know this is really a small detail, but I saw much more wear on the sole of the heal than I would expect given the mileage I put on the shoes.”
Nuts & Bolts
Style: Neutral Road
Price: $130
Weight: 8.3 oz (women); 9.6 oz (men)
Drop: 12 mm
Mizuno Wave Sky 4 WAVEKNIT
The Mizuno Wave Sky Waveknit is a winner for those looking for a neutral cushioned running shoe that is perfectly suited for anyone wanting to go from a 5K to 26.2—or anything in between. Running lots of miles takes a toll, so having a plush shoe that supports where it needs to is a big bonus; this is where the Wave Sky shines. That’s all thanks to Mizuno’s Wave plate, which disperses energy to provide a more stable platform and increased cushioning. Meanwhile, the U4icX Midsole has a softer underfoot feeling that promotes a smoother transition. From the heal to the midfoot to the sole, Mizuno’s Wave Sky 4 offers everything you need to run miles of smiles in comfort and with style.
The Bottom Line
- One Favorite Thing: “I love the extra cushion without descreased support. Although I’m not normally a fan of knit uppers, this functional aspect would be well worth it for everything else this shoe offers.”
- One Area for Improvement: “I would love if this shoe came in a non-knit version as well. The knit is a great fit, but it’s just a little warmer on my feet that other materials.”
Nuts & Bolts
Style: Neutral Road
Price: $160
Weight: 9.4 oz (women); 11.2 oz (men)
Drop: 10 mm
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