7 of the best neutral shoes for 2015 New Balance 1080 v4, 292g RRP: £105 – 7/10 This is New Balance’s flagship neutral shoe so it’s not surprising that it packs a mighty amount of cushioning into its 300g weight. This update features a web of hexagon-shaped foam and rubber in the forefoot, which allows the shoe to bend much more easily. This new version has plenty of welcome width in the toebox, while the upper’s mesh helped keep our tester’s feet dry and comfortable on a tough multi-terrain run. Not one for the barefoot brigade, this shoe is firmly in the heavier runner camp: great durability for bigger runners and more miles. Adidas Energy Boost 2.0, 275g RRP: £120 – 6/10 All Adidas shoes come complete with a fair amount of jargon. These are no exception, with various boasts about ‘Formotion’ this and ‘Torsion system’ that. Cut through the spiel, and you’re left with a comfortable, responsive running shoe at a somewhat inflated price. They’re grippy in wet conditions, light enough for quick running and very easy on the eye (you could

even wear them as fashion trainers). One criticism: during testing, they began to rub a little on the inside of the foot. Not enough for a blister, but not ideal either. Puma Faas 500 v4, 250g RRP: £75 – 6/10 The latest evolution of the Faas 500 is equipped with an improved upper and is minimal, lightweight and seriously fast. At £75, it’s also very competitively priced, although there were some slight issues with the heel rubbing during longer runs. The test pair came in white but the blue version is easier on the eye. Overall, these are a solid, versatile performer and a good bet for those looking for a quality shoe that won’t break the bank. However, a few small design tweaks at the front end of the shoe would make a big difference. Brooks Glycerin 12, 258g RRP: £130 – 8/10 Brooks says this shoe was inspired by the clouds and “designed to feel like running in a meadow toward the one you love”. Having never done that, we can’t really verify whether that’s true.

But this shoe does feel like wrapping your foot in cotton wool – it’s extremely comfortable. puma high tops mens ukIt has 20 per cent more cushioning with the new Super DNA midsole, while the outsole is designed to disperse pressure more evenly from the heel to the forefoot. running shoes offer singaporeIt definitely felt like a smooth ride. best nike basketball shoes to play inNow, like Freddie Mercury, we need to find somebody to love.sports shoe stores hawaii ASICS 33-DFA, 250G RRP: £90 – 7/10puma sports shoes price list

This shoe from ASICS is so new that, even as we went to press, we were scrabbling around for a price! nike shoes india photosBut it’s definitely worth a look. It’s based on ASICS’ new Natural Foam (and not the much-loved Gel). A 4mm drop that very much surfs the ‘natural’ running wave. It also promises better energy return. New forefoot flex grooves deliver a ride more akin to barefoot, although this is definitely not a barefoot shoe. ASICS has also done away with a heel counter, adding to the natural feel. Slightly weighty in the forefoot. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 31, 310g RRP: £95 – 7/10 Is there a shoe on the market with as much heritage as the Nike Pegasus? This, the 31st incarnation of the much-loved neutral offering from Nike, has been given an upgrade with the UK winter in mind. The upper is constructed to help runners’ feet stay dry, while the reflective detailing turns these shoes into lights for your feet.

Of course, you get the tried and trusted performance you’d expect: great cushioning from the Zoom Air unit and some tweaks to bring you closer to the ground for a more responsive ride. HOKA Clifton, 218g RRP: £110 7/10 This is our ‘wildcard’ entry. HOKA, the brand that made its name with its supersize midsole, has toned down the craziness and produced a neutral road shoe that’s, well, pretty darn good. Don’t be fooled by the look: this shoe is super light. It’s also pretty responsive, with a rocker-type device that encourages a more natural transition from heel to toe. The upper is quite roomy so those with narrower feet will have to pull the laces tighter. To create a shoe this cushioned yet so lightweight either involves trickery or efficiency. Either way, we’re sold.When embarking on a running kick, the one piece of kit it’s really worth putting some time into selecting is a top-notch pair of running shoes. You can of course run in any old shoes, but that could well put you on the fast track to injuries, sluggish times and a generally unpleasant experience.

In contrast, the right pair of shoes will help you find the motivation to get out there and pound the pavements. What makes for the perfect pair depends on an individual’s aims, speed, running style and even fashion sensibilities. Don’t disregard the last factor – you want to feel good in these shoes if you’re going to be covering hundreds of miles in them. Below you’ll find our favourite running shoes. Everything’s based on our experience of running in them but different runners will get different things from every shoe, so make sure to factor in your own experience when picking your new kicks. But hopefully somewhere on the list is a pair that’s set to carry you to PBs across every distance.Long-distance running, but not for those who need stability. Standout feature: As always with Adidas running shoes, the Boost midsole, made from congealed foam “energy capsules”. Road test: There’s no doubt that the Boost midsole delivers on what it promises: energy return and comfort.

We found every stride was catapulted into the next almost before we realised it was happening, and the impact of a footstrike was nothing less than silky. The knitted upper is also glove-like as it moulds around your foot, but watch out if you’ve got particularly wide feet, as Adidas shoes do tend to come up narrow.  RECOMMENDED: Adidas UltraBoost ReviewTaking on long distances at speed Standout feature: The Freedom ISO is the first Saucony shoe with a full-length EVERUN midsole, which means it returns enough energy to keep you bouncing along mile after mile. Road test: The Freedom ISO is an excellent all-round running shoe, with an upper so comfortable you could wear it as a pair of slippers as well as an incredibly responsive and bouncy sole that allows you to pick up the pace over any distance. For faster, neutral runners in particular, it’s a great option for 10Ks up to a full marathon.  RECOMMENDED: Saucony Freedom ISO ReviewSmashing 5K and 10Ks Standout feature: Asics has packed in plenty of cushioning with its FlyteFoam midsole, while still managing to keep the DynaFlyte lightweight

Road test: Every long-distance road running shoe has to work on the balance between cushioning and weight. You want enough support to ensure comfort, but not so much that the shoe is unpleasantly heavy. The DynaFlyte hits the sweet spot on this front perfectly, with a responsive feel that pushes you to go faster while causing no fears about a lack of support.  RECOMMENDED: Asics DynaFlyte ReviewProviding support and cushioning to over-pronators. Standout feature: The sole, which is packed with features designed to aid your foot’s interaction with the ground. Road test: As the name suggests, the Kayano is now in its 23rd iteration, and remains one of the best shoes for runners in need of stability. The huge amount of cushioning in the sole was much appreciated on longer runs, although if you’re not an over-pronator the reinforced midsole might feel like overkill. Also of note is the updated upper, which Asics has made seamless, boosting the comfort levels still further. 

A cushioned and supported yet speedy ride. Standout feature: The diagonal roll bar within the midsole, discouraging the foot from over-pronating. Road test: The GTS Adrenaline has long been a mainstay of the stability shoe options, and for good reason. Each layer of the sole is packed with features to ensure your foot remains as supported as possible throughout the gait cycle: we could feel this in action, and the latest Adrenaline also has the benefit of feeling light and springy in comparison with other structured shoes. The upper – especially the tongue – is exceptionally cushioned, too.  RECOMMENDED: The Best Men’s Running GearProviding supreme support to long-distance runners. Standout feature: The Adidas Boost tech in the sole keeps you springing along mile after mile. Road test: The Supernova might be slightly less stylish than the Adidas Ultra Boost, but it is even more impressive when it comes to racking up the distance during long runs. The Boost tech in the sole is always a key feature with Adidas shoes, but the Supernova also has a FITCOUNTER moulded heel counter, which keeps the heel in the best possible position when running.

Add in the comfortable, flexible upper and you’ve pretty much got the perfect shoe for your marathon training. The Continental Rubber outsole is also worth a mention since it provides superb grip, even on the perilous icy pavements that often scupper winter training. £99.95, buy on adidas.co.uk RECOMMENDED: Adidas Supernova ReviewGiving support to overpronators without cramping their style. Standout feature: Blown rubber on the forefoot of the shoe provides an especially springy toe-off stride after stride, which makes you feel fast no matter what pace you’re actually running at. Road test: Given that the Ravenna 8 is designed as a stability shoe for overpronators, it’s surprisingly light and flexible. This makes it an excellent option for those who want some extra support but dislike the rigidity and weight of most stability shoes – and the Ravenna 8 is also comfortable for neutral runners.  RECOMMENDED: Brooks Ravenna 8 ReviewIt’s an all-rounder that particularly shines during long runs.

Standout feature: Despite being a cushioned shoe designed for long distances, the Bandit 2 is incredibly light – coming in under 300g – so that support doesn’t weigh you down if you feel like picking up the pace. Road test: The lightweight build of the Bandit 2 belies the amount of support it offers, and it’s very comfortable for long distances on both road and dry trails. The upper is breathable and stretchy to give a nice fit on any foot, although that does mean it gives you pretty much zero protection in the rain. You’ll get the best of the Bandit 2 over long runs, but it’s not chunky enough to slow you down significantly over short distances, making it a fine all-round option. £80, buy on underarmour.co.ukFulfilling the needs of runners who require vast amounts of cushioning and some stability Standout feature: The Arahi combines a massive chunk of cushioning with stability features to offer overpronators a supremely supportive ride. Road test: The sizeable yet lightweight sole on the Arahi makes for an unexpectedly smooth ride considering they look like two tanks on your feet.

Aided by the moderate stability features, which aren’t overbearing even for a neutral runner, the heel-to-toe transition is effortless. The Arahi is a great pick for those who rack up big miles every week. €130 (around £113), buy on hokaoneone.eu or in Runner’s Need stores RECOMMENDED: Hoka One One Arahi ReviewTackling long distances in comfort. Standout feature: Saucony’s EVERUN sole tech rivals Adidas’s Boost for support and energy return over long runs. Road test: Plush is the word to describe how the Triumph ISO 3 feels on the foot. It’s a joy to pull on, no matter how much you’re dreading the run you’re about to start. The upper is snug without being restrictive, and there’s padding in all the right places to ensure maximum comfort over long runs. This is an excellent option for neutral runners during marathon training, with ample cushioning and the EVERUN tech returning plenty of energy so you feel like you’re truly bouncing along.  Shankara Smith, managing director of London’s specialist running shop Run And Become – when she’s not hunting down a new marathon PB, that is – explains the basics of buying a road running shoe.

Running shoes aren’t designed to be waterproof, but they must be breathable if you don’t want your feet to overheat. “Most running shoes are made with two or three layers of mesh, which means they’re light and allow the sweat from your feet to evaporate easily,” says Smith. “But unless you’re happy to buy a new pair every time you run, you want your shoe to be durable too.” Try the shoes on, do the laces up tight and walk around. “Make sure there isn’t too much space at the back of the heel and that it’s not too tight around your toes,” says Smith. “You’ll usually find a layer of different, stronger material around the bridge of the foot to keep it in place and comfortable.” Blisters shouldn’t be a problem if a shoe fits properly. It shouldn’t rub on the back of your heel and won’t need wearing in. “A road running shoe must have the right kind of flexibility,” says Smith. “If a shoe is too rigid it will stop your foot flexing naturally and cause excessive stresses that can lead to injury.